ZURICH– In a bid to help avert what UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called a “looming humanitarian catastrophe” in Afghanistan, the United Nations has decided to convene an international aid conference in Geneva on September 13.
Taking to Twitter, UN Chief Antonio Guterres announced the conference that he said would seek a swift scale-up in funding for humanitarian relief.
“I will convene a high-level humanitarian conference for Afghanistan on September 13 to advocate for a swift scale-up in funding and full, unimpeded access to those in need,” he said.
“We need the international community to stand together and support the Afghan people,” Guterres wrote. “We also appeal for full and unimpeded humanitarian access to make sure Afghans continue to get the essential services they need,” he said.
He said, “Now more than ever, Afghan children, women and men need support and solidarity from the international community.”
Many Afghans were struggling to feed their families amid severe drought well before Taliban seized power last month and millions may now face starvation with the country isolated and the economy unravelling, aid agencies say.
“The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and is committed to staying and delivering for them,” said Guterres.
