Supporting displaced Afghans with the Swarovski Foundation

17.02.22

In response to the emergency situation in Afghanistan, UK for UNHCR received a generous donation from our partner the Swarovski Foundation towards UNHCR’s efforts helping displaced people in Afghanistan.

Over the last year in Afghanistan, thousands of women, children and men were forced to flee, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis. Many fled with what they could carry; leaving their homes, and most of their belongings behind. This most recent situation follows more than 40 years of conflict, natural disasters, chronic poverty and food insecurity, leaving many Afghans in desperate need of support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Amid deteriorating conditions, UNHCR leapt into action, deploying relief shipments from global stockpiles to protect those forcibly displaced, providing shelter, food, water, sanitation and other emergency assistance. But the work is far from over. 

This winter, Afghanistan is on the brink and displaced Afghan families are facing what UN Special Representative Deborah Lyons has described as a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Of some 668,000 Afghans displaced by fighting since the start of this year, some 50,000 fled to Kabul, the capital. The city is located at an altitude of 1,800 metres and during winter temperatures often dip well below 0° Celsius at night. Many will spend the cold winter months in makeshift shelters or crammed into unheated rented rooms, wondering how they will afford their next meal. 

UNHCR remains on the ground in Afghanistan today, providing relief to those in need, but we couldn’t continue to carry out our life-saving work without the assistance of generous, committed supporters like the Swarovski Foundation. With their support, we can seek to help and empower many more people in Afghanistan.

The Swarovski Foundation was set up in 2013 to honour the philanthropic spirit of Daniel Swarovski, who founded the crystal business 127 years ago in the Tyrolean Alps. Their mission is to build on this heritage by supporting charitable organizations working in three areas: fostering culture and creativity, promoting human empowerment and preserving the environment. The Swarovski Foundation are committed to supporting human empowerment and UNHCR’s efforts in Afghanistan to help as many displaced people as possible. 

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For more information on the Swarovski Foundation, please visit their website.