Humanitarian disaster looming in Afghanistan as millions lose jobs

We've spoken to a source in Kabul as the situation in the country continues to escalate

There's a warning millions of Afghans could die from starvation if more isn't done to help
Author: James DiamondPublished 10th Nov 2021
Last updated 10th Nov 2021

A source in Afghanistan has told us they fear a humanitarian disaster in the country is looming, with the Taliban now in firm control.

Speaking to us as winter approaches, the person, who we've chosen not to name to protect their safety, says prices of basic goods are soaring and millions are losing their jobs as the Taliban restricts what work people can and cannot do.

They have told us there are now no construction projects ongoing, no government jobs for anyone and business activity on the whole has largely shut down.

"It is going to be a real disaster"

"It is going to be a humanitarian disaster believe me if not addressed," they told us in a message from the capital.

With millions of people laid off and no working plus the winter season it is going to be a real disaster."

In a recent interview with the BBC the head of the World Food Programme condemned the international community for not doing more to help, saying millions could die from starvation within weeks.

"It is as bad as you could possibly imagine," David Beasley said.

"In fact we are looking at the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth.

"Ninety-five percent of the people don't have enough food and now we're looking at 23 million people marching towards starvation, out of that almost nine million are knocking on famine's door.

"The winter months are coming, we're coming out of a drought, the next six months are going to be catastrophic."

In a desperate attempt to make money, there have been reports of families selling their young children so they can buy food to survive.

We've had it confirmed this is the case, while the situation is also leading some to take their own lives.

"It is too difficult," our source tells us.

"Personally speaking, my brother has been laid off and now I am the only breadwinner of the family of 11 persons.

"I only get $150 a month.

"I am the lucky one because at least I have a job."

Mr Beasley from the World Food Programme is pleading with the western world to do more.

"Imagine if this was your little girl, or your little boy, or your grandchild about to starve to death," he told the BBC.

"You would do everything you possibly could, and when there's $400 trillion worth of wealth on the Earth today, shame on us if we let any child die from hunger."

Our source has repeatedly told us they fear for their life and not just because of food shortages.

Recently they were contacted by the Taliban.

"I'm now known to them and they may be following me," he told us.

"He was not dangerous and serious though but I am very scared to be honest.

"I know how these people work and how they justify their killings."

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