World Health Organization (WHO) And UNICEF on Sunday called for the establishment of a “humanitarian air bridge” to enable commercial aircraft to deliver medicines and other aid materials to people in need across Afghanistan.
The United Nations agency said in a statement that the humanitarian needs of Afghans “should not and cannot be ignored” because the United States and other countries are eager to evacuate citizens and allies after the fall of Afghanistan. Taliban last week.
However, because commercial aircraft are currently not allowed to enter Kabul Airport, these agencies have warned that humanitarian organizations cannot provide supplies for those in need to enter the country.
“WHO and UNICEF call for the immediate establishment of humanitarian air bridges to deliver aid to Afghanistan continuously and unimpeded. We are also closely following up with all United Nations and international partners to explore options for speeding up aid delivery,” The agency said.
Even before the Taliban recently took over Afghanistan, these agencies stated that the country needed the world’s third largest humanitarian operation, with more than 18 million people in need of help.
“Conflict, displacement, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic have all led to a complex and desperate situation in Afghanistan. Humanitarian agencies need to be supported and promoted to meet the huge and growing needs in Afghanistan and to ensure that no people die unnecessarily due to lack of access to assistance. ,”they said.
The announcement comes as the United States and other countries continue to carry out evacuation operations across Afghanistan. On Sunday, the US Department of Defense called on commercial airlines to assist in the ongoing evacuation efforts. Activate the Civil Reserve Air Force (CRAF) Only the third time in history.this means American airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, Omni Air, Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines A total of 18 aircraft will be provided to support the evacuation of citizens and personnel.
However, commercial jets are not expected to enter or exit Kabul Airport, but to help transport thousands of people stranded at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain and Germany.
In recent days, the scene at Kabul Airport is full of panic and uncertainty. There are reports that Americans are trying to evacuate the area. May face a terrorist attack by the Islamic State organization (Islamic State) Or threats from the Taliban.
The U.S. Embassy told citizens on Saturday “Avoid going to the airport at this time and avoid entering the airport boarding gate unless you receive individual instructions from a U.S. government representative.” Potential security threats. A day later, the National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan Said that the threat of attack is “real” and said that US officials are using “every tool in our arsenal” to protect the safety of Americans.
according to Pentagon So far, about 17,000 people, including 2,500 Americans, have been evacuated from Kabul.By Sunday, it’s not clear how many Americans are still Afghanistan, Although Sullivan estimates it is still “a few thousand.”
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images
At the same time, dozens of tonsThousands of Afghans want to flee this country Fear of being brutalized or killed by the Taliban. Since seizing power last weekend, the militant group has been trying to convey a message that it will not violate human rights. But so far, several reports indicate that Women being beaten And torture, People are being executed.
As the international evacuation work progresses, the World Health Organization and UNICEF said on Sunday that they will continue to stay in Afghanistan and provide all possible assistance to Afghans in need.
“Even at the height of the hostilities, our work continues. We remain committed to staying in Afghanistan and providing services, and we quickly changed our course to meet the needs of the millions of Afghans who remain in the country. “These institutions said.
