7 March 2010 - Latest figures from the United Nations in Afghanistan show about 27,700 individuals have been displaced in Helmand in the last month.

The UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that according to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, 4,275 families (about 27,700 individuals) have been displaced from Marjah town and Nad Ali district in Helmand since 8 February.

Partners of United Nations agencies report that 88 per cent of the displaced families have received humanitarian assistance such as food from the World Food Programme.

Additional supplies have been increased by WFP and UNHCR in Lashkar Gah and the World Health Organization has mobilized additional emergency kits and medical supplies.

Shelter, medical kits and other materials are also available in Kandahar.

UNHCR has also noted that some families are returning with more returns reported Marjah than Nad Ali.

The latest OCHA update notes: “Although returns have started, the conditions for return are not ideal as armed clashes are reported to continue in a number of villages and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) are still present.”

OCHA says it continues to advocate with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force for humanitarian access to the conflict area and for freedom of movement by civilians, especially the wounded.

A recent inter-agency mission to Lashkar Gah on 28 February, including the UN and non-governmental organizations, met with the provincial governor, the Emergency and Disaster Committee for Marjah, the Department of Public Health and representatives of internally displaced persons.

OCHA notes: “It is anticipated that protection issues will need continued attention, including civilian casualties, access to basic services and humanitarian assistance by the civilian population, and neutral evacuation of the injured.”

By Dominic Medley, UNAMA

Website: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Afghanistan)