"We will be in Afghanistan as long as we are needed" says Unicef's Paul Heber

Paul Heber of Unicef joined The Sam Steen Show on RTL Today Radio to discuss the humanitarian issues currently confronting the children and general population of Afghanistan.

Paul stressed that is important to remember that just because Unicef is currently working to help those amidst the crisis in Ukraine, we cannot forget that a new crisis does not mean another has ended.

Recent developments in the denial of access to education for women and girls is just one of the many issues the current population in Afghanistan are facing. Paul highlights how there has always been a huge child crisis in the country and how it has now turned more so than ever into a girls' crisis, risking the future of both the population and country as a whole.

Even before the recent backtracking of women's rights, Afghanistan has been combating malnutrition and extreme poverty, with 64% of households currently unable to meet their basic needs, including water, food and education.

As of today, Unicef has 400 individuals on the ground, but reaching those in need in such a vast country amid violence and unrest is incredibly difficult. Paul explains that accessing children in need is one of the major challenges the organisation is facing. Families are often on the move as a result of the country's current situation.

In addition to political and socio-economic factors, Afghanistan has been ravaged by climate phenomena that has destroyed the country's last 3 harvests. This has meant that children are not only born into extreme poverty, but that there are simply not enough calories to sustain them.

In order to be able to offer aid, humanitarian organisations have no choice but to work with the government, to ensure access and permissions for presence in the country. Despite this, Paul remains hopeful, stating that Unicef has had to work with the Taliban before and that it is when the going gets tough that we find out what we are truly made of.

Unicef cannot continue their work in Afghanistan and other countries without funding and support. Paul and Sam discussed the variety of ways that you can help, either through a donation, a fundraiser or even by purchasing gifts on the Unicef website. 

If you would like to hear more about the work Unicef is doing in Afghanistan, you can listen to the complete interview here on RTL Play or via the player below.

If you would like to make a donation or find out how your club or organisation can hold a fundraiser for Unicef, please visit the Unicef website here.