Humanitarian organisations have launched a coordinated multi-day emergency operation to deliver urgent relief to conflict-affected communities in eastern Nuristan Province, where insecurity has left thousands without access to basic services for over six weeks. The effort is being led by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), and the World Food Programme (WFP), working jointly to reach remote areas that had remained inaccessible due to ongoing conflict.
Around 136,000 people, or approximately 17,000 households, in Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts have been severely affected, facing acute shortages of food, healthcare, and essential household supplies over the past two months. In response, humanitarian agencies engaged in sustained dialogue with all parties to the conflict to secure safe and neutral access for aid delivery, leading to the resumption of operations in the region.
Initial relief activities focus on distributing food supplies, medical assistance, and other critical items, while reopened access routes are also helping local markets restock and enabling the resumption of medical evacuations. Early assessments suggest that urgent needs remain high, particularly in food security, healthcare, and access to basic services.
Aid organisations continue to work closely with local communities to prioritize assistance for the most vulnerable groups. The agencies have reiterated their commitment to neutrality, independence, and impartiality, while urging continued cooperation from all parties to ensure sustained humanitarian access to affected populations.
