Update on Afghanistan

Close to half the population (18.9 million people) are facing acute food security. Local partner Community World Service Asia is appealing for much needed funding to provide emergency assistance for displaced people in Afghanistan and refugees sheltering in Pakistan. Donations to the Afghanistan Appeal are providing cash transfers for three months supporting vulnerable families like Fouzia’s (pictured) that have fled to Pakistan.

The New Zealand Government reported that 1,681 people including 1,431 were visa holders have arrived in the country from Afghanistan. Visa holders are classified as evacuees and will not be able to bring family members under the refugee family reunification scheme, nor can they access refugee support services. The Government allocated only 200 places in its refugee quota for 2022/23 for Afghan refugees.