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Click here to read about Islamic Relief's open development program to train Afghan families for the future.

Facts on Afghanistan

• 40 percent of the population survives on less than $1 a day.
• More than 1.5 million widows live in Afghanistan
• More than 2 million children orphaned
• 600 children under five die every day
• Infant, under-five, and maternal mortality rates in Afghanistan are among the worlds highest. Twenty five per cent of children die before reaching their fifth birthday. Fifty women die each day from pregnancy-related complications.
• 70% of the Afghan population is malnourished
  

Experiencing Education
Estimates show that more than 1.5 million widows live in Afghanistan, almost 90 percent of them unable to read and write. Educating girls results in improved family health, and reduced rates of child malnutrition and mortality. It is estimated that every year of a mother's education reduces the risk of her child's premature death by nine percent. Read on about the importance of education and Islamic Relief's efforts in Afghanistan.

Background
The borders of Afghanistan were defined as a consequence of the contest of British and Russian imperialism during the 19th century. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan provoking heavy resistance. Outside support eventually led to their withdrawal in 1989, plunging the country into intense factional fighting. Eventually the Taliban predominated, though constant fighting with the Northern Alliance further destabilized and weakened the country.  In 2001 the reigning Taliban regime was overthrown by U.S and Northern Alliance forces. An estimated four million Afghanis took refuge in Pakistan and Iran, and a further 1 million people are displaced within Afghanistan.

Many of these refugees began to return after the fall of the Taliban only to find their homes and villages destroyed. The war-ravaged country has no infrastructure, and returnees are vulnerable to malnutrition and disease. After surviving twenty-two years of war, four years of drought and an ongoing civil conflict, up to 8 million Afghanis face the threat of famine.

Recent Conflict
The tragic events of September 11 had wide repercussions in Afghanistan. The subsequent war added to the already chaotic situation in the country and emerged as the biggest constraint in the continuing delivery of aid. With many agencies pulling out due to insecurity and with dramatic shifts in the military situation, the original expectations of how the humanitarian crisis would develop had to be constantly revised. The situation swiftly entered a new and devastating stage.

The anarchy which ensued after the allied bombing meant that the millions of Afghans who were already suffering from acute shortage of food, were now propelled toward the peripheries of famine and starvation. Throughout the crisis, countless displaced Afghans were provided with the means to feed their families.

Islamic Relief in Afghanistan
Responding to the desperate situation, Islamic Relief established operations in Afghanistan in April 2001. Combining long-term development with food assistance, initial programs were focused on drought relief. Bringing new life back to the desert, these programs helped give villagers a practical incentive to remain at home, easing the problems of Internally Displaced Persons in Afghanistan.

Islamic Relief staff in Afghanistan was sorely tested by this latest crisis, yet when offered the opportunity to leave, they unanimously voted to stay. This dedication earned them great respect and praise from the world Aid community and has built a solid foundation upon which to increase humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.

Ordinary Afghanis have thus far learned only the certainty of war and the uncertainty of the future. However, amidst this despair, they have also learned that Islamic Relief will stand shoulder to shoulder with them, helping to carry the burden of rebuilding this shattered land.

Current Projects
Feed the Needy
Enhancing Quality of Education for School Children in Kandahar
Nahrin Water Supply
Panjshir Flood Relief
FAO Seed and Fertilizer Program
Helmand Women's Bakery Project
Helmand IDP's and Drought Relief Program

Completed Projects
Rehabilitation of Primary Education Infrastructure
Reconstruction of Teachers Training High School
Kandahar Women's Bakery Project
Irrigation Rehabilitation Project in Kajaki
Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Paghman
Paghman Education Project
Paghman Clinic
Assisting Vulnerable Children in Kabul City