Nearly half of Afghanistan’s population -18 million people – really need urgent humanitarian assistance to survive, Guterres said and doubled down on the UN commitment to remain on the ground to provide aid.

¨One in three Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from. More than half of all children under five are expected to become acutely malnourished in the next year,¨ Guterres stressed.

¨Now more than ever, Afghan children, women and men need the support and solidarity of the international community. People are losing access to basic goods and services every day. A humanitarian catastrophe looms.¨ said Guterres.

Guterres called on all parties to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access for life-saving and life-sustaining supplies, as well as for all humanitarian workers – men and women.

He added that severe drought and coming harsh winter conditions meant extra food, shelter and health supplies ‘must be urgently fast-tracked’ to Afghanistan.

Next week we will release details of the most immediate needs and funding requirements for upcoming four months in an urgent humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan.

pgh/Pll/oda / ifb