“Families cannot focus on longer-term development when they are in survival mode. Hence, humanitarian response should also ensure sustainable supply of basic needs”
Subrata De, Country Director for Mission East in Afghanistan, urges us to remember that although large-scale conflict has faded from memory, people in this vast and beautiful nation are still trying to rebuild their lives.
“The climate impacts are increasing exponentially,” says De. “People do not have the chance to recover from one event, whether conflict or climate disaster, before they are facing another,” he says.
Includes all Afghans
Mission East is focused on the very remote, northeast region. “As an organisation we will continue to invest in the inclusion of all vulnerable people, including women, in Afghanistan,” says Betina Gollander-Jensen, Secretary General for Mission East. “In a time of competing emergencies and shifting donor priorities, Mission East will stay with all groups among the Afghan people so that their stories, sufferings, and hopes are not forgotten.”
Country Director De continues, “our mandate is clear and specific. We have been with these communities through many situations, and they see that we work with sincerity and dedication. We find ways to collaborate with local authorities and navigate the cumbersome administrative challenges.”
The participation of women in public life is restricted, but through partners and because of our long-term community relationships, Mission East is able to support women in a culturally acceptable manner.
During recent floods, Mohammad Amir and his family lost their home, their livestock, and sustained damage to their agricultural land. They received assistance from Mission East and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Mohammad is nearly 70 years old.
“We had nothing to save our lives,” he told us. “Mission East and IOM are the only organizations that visit us, and they considered our needs.” Mohammad and his family received emergency cash and a tent to offer temporary shelter.
Mission East works with communities to manage disaster risk, to improve access to clean water, and assist with food security through providing livestock, honeybees, or setting up kitchen gardens. The programme is supported by generous private donors as well Danida, the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, and the World Food Programme.
