Humanitarian crisis

An estimated 450,000 people have left Pakistan's tribal area of North Waziristan since Islamabad launched a military offensive in mid-June targeting Islamist militants. The displaced are heading into nearby areas of the country as well as neighboring Afghanistan. Many have had to spend long hours in scorching heat and often without food and water. There are also reports about mounting anger at problems with food distribution and fears that the civilian exodus could lead to the spread of the polio virus which is rampant in the region.

The military operation came after the Pakistani Taliban and an Uzbek militant group launched a brazen attack on Karachi airport, the country's largest. It is believed that some of the region's most feared militants use North Waziristan as a launching pad for attacks within Pakistan as well as against NATO forces in neighboring Afghanistan.

In a DW interview, Bo Schack, the head of the UN refugee agency in Afghanistan, tells DW international assistance to the host communities supporting displaced families is urgently needed in order to ensure that they are able to maintain the level of support they have been providing to their neighbors.

DW: What is the current situation of the displaced families that have fled the fighting in North Waziristan?

Bo Schack: Following military operations in Pakistan, there was large scale displacement in North Waziristan. After the government of Pakistan lifted the curfew on June 18, displaced families (including Afghans living in Pakistan) crossed into Khost Province. Many arrived with very few belongings.

Where are those fleeing the country planning to stay?

Initially, families crossing into Afghanistan were staying within host communities with families or relatives. This support from local communities has been critical in assisting the displaced population and it is important that relief efforts support these communities. However, recently, families are increasingly staying in the open in a camp in the Golan area of Gurboz district, Khost province, the situation is turning into a humanitarian crisis.

How many people have been forced to leave their homes due to the fighting?

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Pakistan estimates that 455,000 people have been displaced in North Waziristan. UNHCR and partners estimate that there are now approximately 9,100 families (or 65,000 individuals) in Khost province at the moment. We have had reports of displaced families into Paktika province as well and are currently working with partners and provincial authorities to get a better understanding of the situation.

There is a risk of the polio virus being spread. Are those displaced getting enough aid from the Afghan and Pakistani governments and the UNHCR?

The World Health Organization and UNICEF have vaccinated over 28,000 children under 10 years against polio in Khost and Paktika provinces while pre-positioning medical supplies. At the same time WFP has distributed one-month food rations to 600 families. UNHCR and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have distributed over 1,250 tents and 2,000 non-food Item kits; and IRC is distributing emergency latrines and hygiene kits. UNHCR together with partners will continue to evaluate the situation on the ground to provide appropriate humanitarian assistance.

What do the refugees need most?

From assessments conducted by provincial authorities, UNHCR, the Afghan Red Crescent Society, APA, IRC and partners, displaced families urgently need food, water as well as additional tents. Core relief items, vaccines, medical supplies, and support for sanitation is required to assist the displaced population in both host communities and the camp.

What can the international community do to help?

Most importantly, the international community can provide assistance to the host communities. Support for displaced families is urgently needed to ensure that the host communities are able to maintain the level of support they have been providing to their neighbors.

In addition, relief efforts are needed for the camp in the Golan district of Garboz province to ensure the health and safety of displaced families staying there.

Bo Schack is the representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan.