Afghanistan is facing its largest humanitarian crisis since the 9/11 attacks.

As the U.S. military forces withdraw from the country, Taliban has expanded its control over major cities in Afghanistan. This has led to the rapid deterioration of the security situation in the country and it is now facing the largest humanitarian crisis since the 9/11.

The main borders are already under control of Taliban both by land and by air, and those who remain cannot even evacuate the country. The number of people trying to flee the country in search of safer places to protect their own lives is increasing every day, with tens of thousands of people becoming displaced every week. Many of them are in a situation where they are huddled together on the streets, pleading to be fed at least for their children. The BBC reported that 270,000 people were displaced in July alone.

For the past 20 years, the international community has been providing various assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. After the bombing, the number of children attending school was close to zero, but in 20 years, that number has reached about 9 million. Now, the teachers who are supposed to give hope to the children for the future are fleeing for their own safety, fearing for their lives.

The Japanese government has been supporting Afghanistan for reconstruction as a leading country in the international community. Ensuring safety and security in this region is essential for the stability of security and economic development of the international community. Many Afghan officials who have been involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan continued to assist children and the people, even risking their own lives, so that they can one day contribute to the international community. Believing in the support from the international community including Japan, they have been working until today, but now they are in critical situation.

Immediate action is needed, including ensuring the safety of many aid workers, so that Afghanistan and the people left there will not be abandoned.

In order to provide as much support as possible, SVA, together with the Afghanistan office staff and aid workers, will try our best to ensure the safety and security of the people left behind and to continue to provide assistance.

We will keep you updated on future developments on our website.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Kyoei WAKABAYASHI
President
Shanti Volunteer Association