270,000 Afghans forced from their homes since January, warns UNHCR

270,000 Afghans forced from their homes since January, warns UNHCR

Geneva (UNA-OIC) – The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that the worsening security situation across Afghanistan in the wake of foreign troop withdrawal and Taliban advances, has forced an estimated 270,000 from their homes since January, bringing the total internally displaced to more than 3.5 million.

Families were fleeing extortion by non-State armed groups and the dangers posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), along major roads, UNHCR said on Tuesday.

Many also reported a breakdown in welfare support and a loss of income, owing to the rising insecurity.

“The needs of those who have had to flee suddenly are acute,” said UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch, adding that as part of its coordinated response, the agency and partners “are assisting newly displaced Afghans with emergency shelter, food, health, water and sanitation support and cash assistance, despite challenges in accessing vulnerable groups”.

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