The appeal was made by Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, at the conclusion of a four-day visit, Ariana news agency reported Friday.

Mazou said that Afghanistan is at a critical and historic juncture, trying to achieve peace, so aid and development must also be expanded.

The official expressed concern about the ongoing violence that, in the first five months of 2021 alone, has led to the displacement of 100,000 people.

Support from the international community in sectors such as health, education and livelihoods that benefit displaced people in host communities are also key components of the peace process, Mazou said.

Afghanistan has a population of nearly 35 million people, most of whom are young, but it faces insecurity and economic challenges.

Millions also remain displaced inside and outside the country as refugees, generously hosted by nations such as Iran and Pakistan despite the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the statement concluded.

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