Far greater humanitarian crisis just beginning: UNHCR on Afghanistan

The UNHCR in its statement pointed out that Pakistan and Iran continue to host almost 90 per cent of all Afghan refugees. Highlighting the need to support the neighbouring countries taking in Afghan refugees, UNHCR said that those countries need greater support.

New Delhi:As the Taliban took over the country, thousands of Afghan nationals have been forced to leave the country in a hurry. Scenes of Afghan nationals crowding the Kabul International Airport and even trying to hang on to the departing planes have laid bare the desperation of people, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.

In a press release, attributed to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, the UNHCR said, "The evacuation effort has undoubtedly saved tens of thousands of lives, and these efforts are praiseworthy. But when the airlift and the media frenzy are over, the overwhelming majority of Afghans, some 39 million, will remain inside Afghanistan. They need us – governments, humanitarians, ordinary citizens – to stay with them and stay the course."

The UNHCR said that around 3.5 million people have already been displaced by violence within the country – more than half a million since the start of this year.

"Some Afghans will inevitably need to seek safety across the country’s borders. They must be able to exercise their right to seek international protection, and borders must be kept open for them for this purpose," the statement said.

The UNHCR in its statement pointed out that Pakistan and Iran continue to host almost 90 per cent of all Afghan refugees. Highlighting the need to support the neighbouring countries taking in Afghan refugees, UNHCR said that those countries need greater support.

"Now, they could face new outflows from Afghanistan while continuing to host existing Afghan refugees whose return prospects have diminished, as well as others who may have left for family, business or medical reasons, but who can now no longer safely return," it added.

"The airlifts out of Kabul will end in a matter of days, and the tragedy that has unfolded will no longer be as visible. But it will still be a daily reality for millions of Afghans. We must not turn away. A far greater humanitarian crisis is just beginning", the statement added with grim undertones.