Winterization support for vulnerable households in Badakhshan province Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies, driven by escalating conflict and natural disasters. Following 40 years of war, a rise in poverty, economic decline and the takeover of the country by the Taliban in August 2021, these political, social and economic shocks have resulted in a massive deterioration of the humanitarian and protection situation. These shocks have depleted the resilience of displaced, host, and natural disaster affected populations, with households struggling to meet their basic needs. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions, with monthly temperatures as low as minus 12.1 degrees Celsius. Each year, freezing winter temperatures, especially in high altitude locations such as Badakhshan drive the need for the provision of life saving winter assistance as the shelters provide limited protection and vulnerable people lack the financial capability to purchase fuel and heaters to supplement their heating requirements.

Badakhshan province in the northeast has been deeply impacted by severe recurring natural hazards and heightened food insecurity. The situation in Badakhshan province is further exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions. The Badakhshan province have pockets of extreme poverty and vulnerability, with limited capacity to withstand the impact of natural disasters. Winters are long and severe, particularly in Badakhshan, a highly mountainous province, which experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, limiting access to roads and markets. Without basic NFIs, fuel, and cash assistance, these vulnerable populations, especially women and children, are unprepared for the harsh weather. Additionally, only a small number INGOs are supporting Badakhshan province with winterization packages in 2022, creating a gap in assistance to these vulnerable populations.

The conflict-affected displaced, natural disaster affected, returnees and vulnerable host community families have very limited capacity to cope with the onset of winter, with many families residing in inadequate and overcrowded shelters. There is a substantial need for winterization support especially for women, children, and PwD. Concern will expand its current humanitarian response to meet the rising critical winterization needs over the next 6 months and will target 1,528 conflict-affected displaced, natural disaster affected and vulnerable host community families in  Badakhshan Province (Faizabad, Arghanj Khwah, Yaftal-e-Sufla amp Koran Wa Monjan) through provision of heating assistance ($200), blankets ($57) and winter clothing packages ($74), delivered through cash assistance.

Concern’s winterization support will address emergency needs of local communities and ensure lifesaving protection and assistance is provided. Throughout project implementation, Concern will mainstream gender-sensitive behavioral change messaging to positively influence expenditure choices. Gender, age, and disability considerations will be carefully integrated to ensure the response is inclusive to all segments of a community, particularly People with Specific Needs (PSNs). As women are significantly less likely to report problems with their assistance, Concern will conduct sensitization tailored to female beneficiary groups to encourage feedback into meaningful access and appropriate modalities for support. With over two decades of operational presence in Badakhshan, Concern is incredibly well positioned to provide trusted, rapid humanitarian assistance informed by last year’s winter response that will enable acutely vulnerable families to prepare and recover with greater resilience.