Kabul: Roza Otunbayeva, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), has raised alarms about a deepening food crisis in the country. She emphasized that food security remains Afghanistan’s most urgent issue.
Otunbayeva also expressed concern over the country’s deteriorating health conditions, highlighting the rising rates of maternal and child mortality despite a high birth rate. She stressed the need for immediate action, stating, “The most critical task right now is to feed the population. We are working to engage international donors in providing seeds to farmers, ensuring aid reaches those in need rather than the ruling Taliban.”
Afghanistan continues to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and the effects of climate change. The recent forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran has further exacerbated the crisis, raising concerns among the global community.
Residents in Kabul have voiced their frustration, calling for more job opportunities to sustain their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy has reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty. Deputy Minister Abdul Latif Nazari stated that employment programs and large-scale economic projects are being implemented to address food insecurity. However, he also urged the international community to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.
International organizations, including various UN agencies and the World Bank, have previously warned that food insecurity in Afghanistan is worsening. Reports indicate that nearly one-third of the population—around 12.6 million people—urgently require humanitarian assistance.
