PRESS RELEASE: Mission East has just received over 23 million DKK from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for emergency aid in northeastern Afghanistan and in the border area near Tajikistan. The help includes provision of food, winter equipment and protection of girls, women and minorities.
Mission East can now convey 23.5 million DKK. from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Danida) for emergency aid to the needy population in Afghanistan and Afghan refugees in Tajikistan. Mission East has offices in both countries and ensures that the money benefits about 76,000 people.
The goal is to save lives in a winter where the temperature can drop to minus 25 degrees in the mountainous areas. The help consists of emergency food assistance, winter equipment and opportunities for self-sufficiency. The effort will also promote the rights and welfare of the most vulnerable groups. This applies in particular to refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees. Particular emphasis is placed on the rights of women and girls, as well as minorities.
After a thorough needs survey, over 100 Mission East staff and 3 partner organizations can now target efforts at around 71,480 vulnerable people in Afghanistan and 4,880 Afghan refugees in Tajikistan.
In Afghanistan, around 11,000 families will receive cash to provide food, blankets, ovens and other winter equipment. The help will also ensure clean drinking water with water purification tablets, containers and hygiene equipment. In Tajikistan, Afghan refugees will receive food, winter accommodation and access to health care.
– We are happy that our local staff and partners can now do something about the distress they see every single day. Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian catastrophe, and with falling winter temperatures, it is urgent to provide the help as soon as possible, says Mission East Managing Director Betina Gollander-Jensen.
Mission East has been providing emergency and long-term development assistance in Afghanistan since 2001. The organization operates primarily in the northeastern provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan. In Tajikistan, Mission East has been working since 1997, including in water, sanitation and infrastructure at the border with Afghanistan.
