Internally displaced families in Kabul are calling on authorities to address their worsening living conditions as temperatures drop in the capital.
With the onset of colder weather, hundreds of displaced families are spending their days and nights in tents in the Khairkhana Kotal area of Kabul.
The families say the lack of proper shelter, cold weather and shortages of basic necessities have left them facing serious difficulties.
Ismat, who was displaced to Kabul 14 years ago due to conflict, said he has been unable to build a home for his family because of economic hardship and a lack of job opportunities. He currently lives in the tents with his sick mother and other family members.
“I ask the government to give us land so we can build shelter. Life in tents is impossible,” Ismat told.
Another displaced woman, Rana, said, “We hope to receive some food and other assistance so we can continue our lives.”
Others living in tents say conditions are especially harsh during winter. They are urging Taliban to pay serious attention to the situation of internally displaced families and take practical steps to address their problems.
“In the cold, we cannot sleep in tents. What should we eat? What should we drink?” said a displaced woman, Shakila.
Another displaced man, Rozgul, said, “The coal you see is collected from streets and roads and burned for warmth.”
Economic experts warn that failing to address the situation of internally displaced families could have serious social and economic consequences.
Economic analyst Mir Shaker Yaqoubi said, “The government should understand the economic situation and respond this winter by providing shelter, food and cash assistance to displaced families.”
The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has not yet commented on the issue, but has previously said it has relocated many internally displaced people to their home areas.
Decades of war in Afghanistan have displaced large numbers of people, many of whom have moved to Kabul from other provinces.
