Support and Protect Families in Afghanistan

Since September 2020, Ghorak district has been classified as ‘hard to reach’ due to its inaccessibility for humanitarian support. Ghorak is not connected to any of the main highways so supply of goods is challenging, as is the delivery of humanitarian support. The majority of the 18,300 people living here depend on farming and livestock for their income. Families in Ghorak were affected by the drought in 2019 and 2021.

In November 2021, authorities in Ghorak reached out to HALO and asked for support to survey suspected areas and clear explosive devices. Since then, HALO has recorded significant levels of explosive contamination.

In Ghorak and Kapkak villages, 47 new IED minefields were recorded which is equal to about the size of Monaco. HALO teams marked these areas to provide a clear warning to local communities. HALO teams are also holding Risk Education classes, teaching adults and children how to stay safe around the dangerous areas. Children are especially at risk because of their curious nature if they find an explosive item. HALO uses child friendly pictures to remind children the rules to follow if they come across an item.

During this time, HALO also responded to a community request to clear an IED from a local market. By destroying this item, vendors and community members could access the market again.

Clearing these areas will benefit over 353 families. Over 1,500 families will see an indirect benefit as they travel the land for other purposes. All of these people, who like millions of other Afghans are suffering from food insecurity, will benefit from a safer environment to go about their daily lives.

Thank you to all of our supporters and GlobalGiving for making our work possible and helping families in Afghanistan.