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Afghan Disabled & Martyrs' Families Plead for More Aid Amid Harsh Winter

On International Disability Day, persons with disabilities and families of martyrs in Afghanistan have appealed for increased assistance, stating current aid is insufficient for survival, especially during winter. Individuals like Ghulam Hazrat describe a desperate lack of livelihood after losing limbs, while officials claim aid is distributed transparently and on time. The UN estimates 1.5 million Afghans live with significant disabilities, many from decades of conflict, and calls for an inclusive and equitable future. The day highlights the ongoing struggle for dignity and support for a vulnerable population facing severe economic hardship.

Key Points: Afghan Disabled Seek Increased Aid on International Disability Day

  • Inadequate aid for disabled
  • Winter hardships intensify crisis
  • Calls for inclusive support
  • Ministry claims transparent distribution
  • UN highlights 1.5 million affected
3 min read

Afghan persons with disabilities seek increased aid on International Disability Day

Persons with disabilities in Afghanistan appeal for more support as winter sets in, citing inadequate aid and lack of employment opportunities.

"I have lost my hands and legs... there is no work, no income. - Ghulam Hazrat"

Kabul, January 14

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, families of martyrs and persons living with disabilities in Afghanistan have said that the assistance currently provided to them remains inadequate and have appealed for increased support from aid organisations as well as the Islamic Emirate, Tolo News reported.

Several persons with disabilities told TOLO news that the lack of employment opportunities and insufficient aid have made survival increasingly difficult, particularly with winter setting in.

Ghulam Hazrat, a person with a disability, said he has been left without any means of livelihood after losing his limbs. "I have lost my hands and legs. I have three children; there is no work, no income. Out of desperation, I came here hoping that God or these people might help us," he said.

His wife, Roya, echoed the appeal for assistance, highlighting the absence of a breadwinner in the family. "We have no breadwinner. We appeal to our fellow compatriots to help us."

Others also expressed concern over the lack of essential winter supplies. Some families said they have not received fuel so far, warning that the limited aid provided would not be enough to endure the harsh cold season.

Mohammad Naser, another person with a disability, described his precarious situation, saying, "We are left with nothing. I have nothing. I sell masks on the roadside; sometimes there's work, sometimes there's not."

Relatives of martyrs have raised similar concerns. Bazgul, a family member of a martyr, stressed the urgency of assistance, saying, "We need to be helped. If not, we have nothing, no money, nothing else."

Tolo News reported that according to data from the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, a total of 183,000 persons with disabilities have been registered across the country to date. Responding to the concerns, Faisal Khamosh, spokesperson for the Ministry, said that assistance is being provided in a timely and transparent manner.

"All persons with disabilities receive assistance on time, and the distribution is carried out transparently through the banking system," he said.

Faizullah Zaki, financial director of the Kabul Department of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs, said efforts are underway to expand support. "Food and other essential items are being distributed. We are trying to attract more assistance from institutions, especially in vocational areas such as small businesses," he added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, underscored the need for sustained support, Tolo News reported.

UNAMA stated, "An estimated 1.5 million Afghans live with significant disabilities, many resulting from decades of conflict. Children carry a heavy share of this burden. On This Disability Day, we honour them and call for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Afghanistan for all."

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was designated by the United Nations in 1992 to raise awareness about disability issues and to promote the dignity, rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The spokesperson says aid is transparent and timely, but the people on the ground say it's insufficient. There's clearly a gap between official claims and reality. Winter in Afghanistan is brutal—fuel and food are not luxuries, they are essentials for survival.
A
Aman W
While our focus is often on our own challenges, we must not forget the humanitarian crises in our region. The story of Ghulam Hazrat selling masks on the roadside is haunting. International aid is crucial, but sustainable solutions like the small business support mentioned are key.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, the article highlights a systemic issue. Registering 183,000 people is one thing, but ensuring they have dignity, work, and warmth is another. The UN call for an "inclusive, equitable, and sustainable" Afghanistan is the only long-term answer. Children should not bear this burden.
V
Vikram M
It's a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Many of these disabilities are from decades of conflict. As Indians, we understand resilience, but no one can survive a winter without help. Hope aid reaches them before it's too late. The international community must not look away.
K
Karthik V
The ministry's banking system distribution sounds good on paper, but if people are still selling masks on the street for income, the aid amount is clearly not enough. They need proper employment schemes, not just periodic aid. "We are left with nothing" – that sentence says it all.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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