The Afghan Red Crescent, the IFRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been active in Afghanistan for decades, providing aid such as medical care, clean water and humanitarian relief during armed conflicts.

With the support of the IFRC, the Afghan Red Crescent is providing families who have lost their livelihoods due to one of the worst droughts in decades with cash grants to buy food supplies and to restore crops. And the ICRC, whose medical teams run physical rehabilitation centers in Afghanistan, treated more than 40,000 people wounded by weapons at ICRC-supported facilities in June, July and August. Wards are filled with children and young men and women who have lost limbs. Relief work will continue and the ICRC will support the Afghan people and help men, women and children cope with the unfolding situation and work with the Afghan Red Crescent Society to help those whose lives have been scarred by war.

In the U.S.: Repatriation Efforts

The American Red Cross has been asked to support the repatriation efforts for hundreds of people following the recent unrest in Afghanistan. As people arrive in Virginia, Red Cross workers are providing comfort and support including meals, hygiene kits, blankets and emotional support. The Red Cross and its government partners are also coordinating to provide additional services depending on the immediate needs of these families.

If you are unable to locate a loved one or friend who has been impacted by the current events in Afghanistan, the Red Cross can help you locate them. To learn more, visit the Restoring Family Links website. Additional mental health support is available and we encourage people to reach out to the free 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline via phone or text (1-800-985-5990).