Dear friend,
Conflict, political instability, recurrent natural disasters, and economic chaos have left more than 24 million Afghans in need of humanitarian aid. As Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis worsens, we are expanding our response. Our teams are working to:
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Ensure Afghans have access to cash, clean water, and can pursue productive livelihoods to feed their families. |
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Partner with local businesses to establish vocational training centers for young adults to build skills such as sewing, carpentry, and car repair. |
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Improve water and sanitation infrastructure for schools and health centers in rural regions of the country. |
In the past two months, Mercy Corps distributed cash assistance to 430 families affected by the dire circumstances in Afghanistan. It’s the first of many milestones in our expanded humanitarian response since we were forced to pause our decades-long operations due to security risks after the withdrawal of U.S. troops last year.
June, 2022. Women in a camp for displaced persons in Afghanistan await a Mercy Corps cash distribution.
Cash assistance helps people in displacement camps who fled their homes due to violence or worsening drought conditions. Many are struggling to find job opportunities because of the country’s ongoing economic crisis. People sell what they have or take on debt just to be able to afford food. With cash assistance from Mercy Corps, families will be able to meet their basic needs.
Mercy Corps has provided lifesaving, long-term development support in Afghanistan since 1986. Our humanitarian response has ranged from water and sanitation services to agriculture and vocational training. In 2020, we reached more than 370,000 people across the country.
Mercy Corps vocational training centers, like this one shown from 2015, have helped young women and men learn job skills.
Mercy Corps remains steadfast in our commitment to support the people of Afghanistan. We will meet the urgent needs of families while working side-by-side with them to develop pathways to a brighter future.
Will you join us in showing your commitment to Afghan families by signing our pledge supporting humanitarian assistance?
We appreciate your dedication to those in Afghanistan — and in the 40+ countries where we serve — who are living through hunger, disaster, conflict, and poverty. Together, we can bring hope to people facing crisis.
With gratitude,
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Max Baldwin,
Interim Director of Programs – Afghanistan
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Max joined the Afghanistan team after last year’s escalating crisis, adapting programs to current needs, and working to ensure female team members can safely participate. Max is committed to supporting his Afghan colleagues, who have endured incredible hardship.
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