Red Cross Warns Of Worsening Crisis In Afghanistan As Returnees Overwhelm Communities

GENEVA, July 21 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Monday raised the alarm over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, warning that the country is buckling under the weight of multiple crises and a growing influx of returnees from neighbouring countries, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

"The IFRC is deeply concerned about the future of people living in and returning to Afghanistan, a country that is already facing multiple, overlapping crises," the organisation said in a statement.

According to UNHCR data, more than 2.6 million people have returned from Pakistan and Iran, many arriving with no possessions or means to rebuild their lives.

"If the international community doesn't step up now, communities in Afghanistan will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people returning," said the head of delegation of IFRC Afghanistan Sami Fakhouri.

The IFRC stressed that humanitarian operations are already under severe strain due to funding shortfalls.

"We're already having to make tough choices, like whether we have enough funding to continue providing even the most basic support, such as food at the borders for those returning. Right now, only 10 per cent of the required funding has been secured," added Fakhouri.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU