Global Appeal for Urgent Aid Following Deadly Earthquake in Northern Afghanistan

Following a devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s Samangan and Balkh provinces, several international organizations and Islamic countries have called for immediate humanitarian assistance to support those affected.

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, issued a statement on Monday, November 2, via social platform X, urging the global community to provide urgent humanitarian aid grounded in human rights principles to the victims. He emphasized that gender-sensitive approaches must be considered a vital element of the relief efforts and should not be overlooked.

Meanwhile, Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed solidarity with the affected people in northern Afghanistan in a statement, urging member states and relief agencies to swiftly respond to the victims’ needs. According to the OIC, its office in Afghanistan is assigned to coordinate with both domestic and international organizations to facilitate the aid delivery process.

Additionally, the government of Bahrain issued a statement late Monday, extending condolences to the families of the earthquake victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sorrow over the human casualties caused by the disaster.

While several countries and international bodies have announced their readiness to provide assistance, serious concerns remain regarding the Taliban administration’s capacity to manage the crisis effectively and distribute aid transparently. The international community is urged to maintain strict oversight of the relief operations to ensure that support reaches the rightful victims.