TBD
UNHCR starts distribution of winter supplies to Afghans
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, began distributing winter supplies today in Kabul to 1,500 returnees and internally displaced people.
Afghans receiving winter assistance
The supplies include blankets, warm clothes and charcoal. The distribution is part of a countrywide programme to help some 200,000 vulnerable Afghans survive the harsh winter. Grainne Ohara is UNHCR's head of central region office:
"Biggest challenge for the staff who are hands on involved in this programme are the selection process, because the needs are high and ultimately decisions have to be made about who can be included and who not. And those are difficult decisions to make."
Ms. Ohara points out, however, that UNHCR's programme is only part of wider efforts by the Afghan government and other UN agencies to ensure many more Afghans receive aid this winter.
Bissera Kostova, United Nations
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