‘How much longer will Afghan misery go on?’
CITY MAN IN APPEAL FOR INTERNATIONAL AID TO EASE CRISIS
of Afghans are now facing a twofold crisis of economic disaster and severe weather, claims a former refugee.
The United Nations has warned that millions will face starvation and even death, and has appealed for billions of pounds of international aid for the country.
A harsh winter is expected to push people further into extreme hardship on top of the hike in food prices amid the country’s struggling economy.
Asadullah Shinwari, a former UK government adviser from Afghanistan, now of Leicester, said: “How long will this go on? Millions of lives have already been lost.”
Having fled the country’s previous Taliban regime as a teenager, Asadullah sought refuge in the UK and later settled in Leicester.
In 2008, he was awarded for his efforts as a cultural advisor to the Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The 38-year-old said he still has extended family in Afghanistan who, under the new Taliban regime, have been plunged into poverty and despair.
“I have extended family who have not been paid for eight months,” Asadullah said.
“And we used to send our family money but that is no longer allowed.
“We are hearing some horror stories of people in our village selling their children out of desperation.”
Following the Taliban’s takeover in August last year, international funds to the country were cut off and US-held assets were frozen.
Asadullah added that while the media shows “a small snippet” of what is going on in Afghanistan, the reality is “far, far worse”.
A maternity unit in a hospital that his brother – who is now in hiding – worked at, has been closed due to lack of resources, he said, adding: “It’s not just money, it’s basic medi MILLIONS and resources that they don’t have.”
Amid the threat of winter starvation, Leicester’s Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) has appealed for donations to verified charities in aid of Afghan families.
In a letter shared with affiliated groups and mosques, the FMO said: “Afghanistan is experiencing one of the worst droughts in 27 years and is facing a catastrophic famine further compounded by rising poverty and extremely severe weather.”
It urges mosques and affiliated groups to dedicate a collection this Friday that will be donated to a trusted, registered charity.
FMO spokesperson Suleman Nagdi said: “The World Food Programme has described the situation unfolding in Afghanistan as ‘the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth.’
“Giving to charity is a long standcines ing and important British tradition and we appeal to the public’s generosity in their support for this important cause.”
Asadullah, who is not affiliated with the FMO, praised the group’s efforts, saying: “Even if one family is helped, that will be amazing.”
But he added that while the UN continues its humanitarian help, he hopes the international community will step in with aid.