If you've been listening to any news lately, it's hard to miss the fact that the people of Afghanistan continue to suffer, all the more as they find themselves in the midst of harsh winter conditions. One day last week, a reporter mentioned it was warmer in Anchorage, Alaska than it was in Kabul.
Just for the sake of keeping the plight of the Afghan people top of mind, here are a few bullet points to raise awareness:
Kabul markets are full of food, but few people have any money
As of this week, 1.1 million Afghan children are at risk of acute severe malnutrition
About 75% of the Afghan population is living below the poverty line
Many families are gathering animal dung to dry and burn in their homes as they can't afford other heating fuels
Some parents are selling their children in order to repay debts and cover other essentials
The banking system is still in a state of collapse
Many women have been banned from the workplace, just as many girls are no longer allowed to study, despite Taliban promises to reopen schools. In some places it's forbidden; in others, it is the parents who don't allow their daughters to go to school for fear of punishment.
There is reportedly not a single woman in the Taliban-controlled government, and few women in public life in general
If there is any good news, it is that humanitarian aid is now getting through, both by land across Afghanistan's multiple borders, and some by air. But aid organizations say much more is still needed, with as much as $4.5 billion worth of need estimated in the coming year. Here is a list of reputable organizations involved in bringing aid to this disaster-ridden nation, should you feel inclined to help.
And of course, if you know of local organizations working to help resettle Afghan immigrants in your home country, they deserve your help as well.
Let us not forget Afghanistan.