Displaced families queue for cash assistance © UNHCR/Andrew McConnell

Appeal for Australian support for Afghans devastated by earthquake

Australia for UNHCR is appealing for urgent support from Australians as the UN Refugee Agency delivers life-saving support to communities devastated by the earthquake in south-east Afghanistan.

24 June 2022

Australia for UNHCR is appealing for urgent support from Australians as the UN Refugee Agency delivers life-saving support to communities devastated by the earthquake in south-east Afghanistan.   

UNHCR is on the ground in Khost and Paktika provinces as part of an inter-agency coordinated response to provide aid and assistance to people affected.

A convoy has been dispatched from Kabul to Khost and Paktika to deliver emergency assistance to 4,200 people (600 families), including shelter kits, tents, blankets, water cans and other relief items to protect them from the bad weather and meet their immediate needs.  More aid will follow in the coming days.

Australia for UNHCR National Director Naomi Steer has called on Australians to provide urgent support to Afghans who have lost loved ones and their homes.

“Following last year’s crises in Afghanistan, Australians donated nearly 11 million dollars through Australia for UNHCR,” said Ms Steer.  “We’re again calling on that same incredible generosity in the wake of this devastating natural disaster, as UNHCR urgently needs your support."

UNHCR has worked with Afghans in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries for the last four decades. Nearly one million displaced Afghans and host communities have been assisted with aid since January this year.

Australia for UNHCR National Director Naomi Steer is available for an interview.

If you are covering this story, please encourage people to donate via: //www.unrefugees.org.au/emergency-response/afghanistan-emergency/

Australia for UNHCR media contact:
Alex Fisher: [email protected] 0498 998 018
Lisa Upton: [email protected] 0420 754 441