UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Khaled Hosseini urges for support for displaced Afghan families

I was born in Kabul in 1965, a time of peace and harmony in Afghanistan. After the Soviet invasion, my family sought asylum in the U.S and moved to California in the fall of 1980. But just as the country of my birth has inspired my books, its people and their stories have impacted my life.

As you can imagine, Afghanistan holds a special place in my heart – and its people are suffering today.

The imminent crisis in Afghanistan is the latest in a cycle of conflict and loss that’s lasted more than 40 years. Since the start of this year, 550,000 people have been forced to flee their homes because of intense fighting. On top of this, the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed Afghanistan’s health system, and less than one percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Tragically, the crisis is especially hard on children: more than 65 percent of Afghanistan’s 35 million people are young people.

The good news? You can help. 

With your help, UNHCR is ready to stay and deliver for those who’ve been forced to flee their homes. By becoming a USA for UNHCR donor, you can help ensure protection, shelter, clean water and healthcare for newly displaced Afghans.