UN staff bring bags of cash to help hapless Afghans survive harsh winter

<p>
With banking channels going bust, the United Nations is bringing in bags of cash for distribution to  Afghanis in dire need of humanitarian relief, says a Russian diplomat.</p>
<p>
"By the end of the year, donors have pledged to transfer $1.2 billion to humanitarian organisations, nearly double the $606 million originally requested by the UN. At the same time, the banking system in Afghanistan is not functioning, so it is impossible to transfer the promised money to the country’s population. UN personnel have to bring cash with them," said Petr Ilichev, Director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as reported by Sputnik.</p>
<p>
Earlier this month, the US Treasury Department  said that Washington  was allowing certain transactions and activities channel through the Taliban or Haqqani Network to governmental and non-governmental organisations engaged in humanitarian work in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>
On December 22, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to allow  payments to Afghanistan which would be used for  humanitarian relief, overriding existing sanctions.</p>
<p>
India is on the forefront to supply essential humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. New Delhi had pledged to move 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan via  Wagah-Attari border, despite resistance by Pakistan. </p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/india-news/imran-khan-relents-promises-to-allow-transit-of-indian-wheat-to-afghanistan-through-pakistan-127923.html">Imran Khan relents – promises to allow transit of Indian wheat to Afghanistan through Pakistan</a></p>
<p>
“Over 24 million people are now in need of lifesaving and life-sustaining assistance across the country. UN agencies and humanitarian partners aim to reach more than 90 percent of them — a staggering 22 million people — with food, water, health, protection, shelter, education and other forms of vital support. They need donor support,” wrote UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths in The Hill.</p>
<p>
<a href="https://thehill.com/opinion/international/585062-afghanistan-is-on-the-brink-of-total-collapse-unless-the-world-steps-in">Afghanistan is on the brink of total collapse — unless the world steps in</a></p>