NEW YORK, 04 August. - (ANA) - Children are dying of starvation in Afghanistan, even though food is readily available in the country’s markets, report Human Rights Watch. 

 

There is no shortage of goods but rather a shortage of cash. Afghanistan is suffering from a major liquidity crisis and lack of banknotes, because its central bank remains unable to access its foreign currency reserves or process or receive most international transactions. 

 

The US and others have taken some action to license banking transactions with Afghan entities, but businesses, humanitarian groups, and private banks continue to report extensive restrictions on their operational capacities. 

 

At the same time, because outside donors have severely cut funding to support Afghanistan health, education, and other essential sectors, millions of Afghans have lost their incomes. 

 

The result is acute malnutrition, entrenched across Afghanistan, even as food and other basic goods are sitting right there. 

 

Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis cannot be effectively addressed unless the US and other governments ease restrictions on the country’s banking sector to facilitate legitimate economic activity and humanitarian aid.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/04 August 2022 — - -