KABUL - The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in Afghanistan has called for US$437 million for humanitarian preparedness and response in the country. A launch event held today in Kabul was officiated by the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Michael Keating, under the auspices of His Excellency the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Mr. Jarullah Mansoori.

Download the full copy of the Consolidated Appeal for Afghanistan 2012

“The Afghanistan CAP 2012 focuses on delivering humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and natural disasters, including displaced people and refugees. The appeal is more streamlined than in previous years – better targeting those with acute humanitarian needs. With greater clarity between what we must address in the humanitarian response and what is better addressed by reconstruction and development mechanisms, the appeal has been reduced by 25 per cent as compared to 2011,” the Under- Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Valerie Amos said in a video message.

“The CAP 2012 is all about partnerships between the different stakeholders. The Government of Afghanistan is actively involved in the humanitarian decision making process through the cluster system. Other partners include the UN agencies, the humanitarian NGOs and the donor community. They all support me as Humanitarian Coordinator to effectively coordinate the emergency response and integrated humanitarian action, in close collaboration with the Government,” Mr. Keating said.

The failure to closely link the work of humanitarian and development actors in Afghanistan has resulted in persistent challenges associated with those displaced by the conflict and recurrent environment hazards. The 2011 drought (which was the eighth in 11 years) reminds all the partners of the critical importance of focusing not just on immediate humanitarian relief but on real solutions. Increased priority by development actors in collaboration with government towards investment in solutions that mitigate these vulnerabilities is required which will ultimately eliminate the need for humanitarian assistance.

The 2012 appeal seeks $437 million for humanitarian preparedness and response. 28% of the request targets the Food Security and Agriculture Cluster related to the drought-specific needs still requiring response. The 2012 CAP represents a shift from previous years and a “back to basics” approach, excluding the provision of humanitarian assistance to chronic vulnerable populations in favour of advocacy for development.

The 2012 CAP Afghanistan can be found at:
http://www.unocha.org/cap/appeals/consolidated-appeal-afghanistan-2012

For further information, please call: Christophe Verhellen, OCHA Afghanistan Head of Public Information at +93.793.001132 or verhellen@un.org