KUNDUZ - In order to prepare the local population for a looming harsh winter, two United Nations agencies joined hands with their local partners in Afghanistan’s northeastern provinces yesterday by starting distribution of winter assistance kits.
Click here for photos of a distribution ceremony in Kunduz on 5 December 2012

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Refugees Agency (UNHCR) are implementing the “cold package” programme through the local Government and non-government partners.

Fahim Hamdard, a UNHCR spokesperson for the north and northeast regions of Afghanistan, said the objective of the assistance was to prepare vulnerable populations for the winter. “According to the UNHCR mandate, through our cold package programme, we have started distribution of non-food items to the neediest and vulnerable families including displaced and returnee families," said Mr. Hamdard.

According to Mohammad Sadiq Zaheer, a humanitarian affairs officer with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 241 died of harsh winter and heavy snow in Afghanistan’s northeastern region last year.

According to Abdullah Rasooli, Coordinator of Kunduz Mediothek Social Centre which is a partner organization of the “cold package” programme for this year, 2,300 vulnerable families – mostly returnees in the provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Badakhshan and Takhar – will receive food and non-food items during the coming days.

“Based on a pre-assessment every year, the neediest families benefit from the WFP and UNHCR’s winterization programme. This year, the items to be distributed include a bag of coal, a family kit (of garments) and 100 kg of wheat to every listed family,” said Mr. Rasooli.

Speaking at a programme organized in Kunduz, the northeastern regional hub, yesterday to commence the distribution of aid assistance, Sayed Abul Salam Hashimi, the head of the Kunduz Department of Returnees and Refugees, thanked the UN agencies for providing assistance to the returnee families. “Although 47,000 returnee families in Kunduz are in need, this donation in a way will help some of them to survive in the winter.”

Leila (one name), a widow, said after receiving the assistance on the first day of its distribution: "I was deeply concerned about my children’s livelihood during the coming winter. It is a big assistance.”

Another recipient, Abdullah, an old man with physical disability, said it was next to impossible to purchase coal and wheat by himself.

Based on Mr.Hashimi’s information, last year 600 vulnerable families of Kunduz province received, the WFP and UNHCR winterization assistance while this over 1000 families are benefiting this donation.

By UNAMA Kunduz