UN Reports 118,000 Displaced Due to Clashes at Afghanistan-Pakistan Border
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
United Nations, March 7 (NationPress) The ongoing military conflicts at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have led to a substantial humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 118,000 individuals displaced from their homes due to the recent increase in violence, as reported by a UN refugee agency.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has indicated that approximately 115,000 people have been forced to leave their homes on the Afghan side, while around 3,000 individuals have sought refuge in neighboring Pakistan. These alarming displacement numbers highlight the escalating humanitarian crisis caused by cross-border violence, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
In a related statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing conflicts between Afghan and Pakistani security forces.
The mission called on both sides to immediately halt hostilities, comply with international humanitarian law, and implement all necessary measures to avert further civilian casualties.
The statement released on Tuesday revealed that from the evening of February 26 to March 2, UNAMA documented at least 146 civilian casualties in Afghanistan, including 42 fatalities and 104 injuries, with women and children being among the affected.
The clashes have predominantly impacted several provinces in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. According to an initial assessment by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, approximately 16,400 families have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting. Some of these families had previously fled their homes due to earthquakes and are now facing yet another emergency evacuation.
UNAMA noted that the persistent fighting has significantly hampered movement, thereby complicating access for humanitarian organizations to the areas most adversely affected.
UNAMA appealed to all involved parties to resolve their disputes through dialogue, ensure the protection of civilian lives, and foster a safe and unobstructed environment for humanitarian assistance.