With no end in sight to the violence in Afghanistan, there are fears conditions could get even worse this year, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Following a volatile year in Afghanistan, 2015 has brought no reprieve to civilians suffering the effects of intensifying armed conflict. Countless hardships, including large-scale indiscriminate attacks and increasing difficulties reaching health care, are among the grim realities facing the war-weary population, the global humanitarian organization said on Monday.
"Persistent and fierce fighting, including serious violations of the rules of war, continue to have a deplorable impact on the Afghan population," said Jean-Nicolas Marti, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) head of delegation in Afghanistan. He expressed fear that "For the victims of the conflict, the situation might deteriorate even further as the funding of humanitarian aid dwindles in the country."
Last year, the ICRC witnessed a 37 percent increase in its transport of wounded combatants from the battlefield to health centres, while it more than doubled its recovery of mortal remains of combatants.
The organization's provision of food and other household items to Afghanistan's displaced grew by 40 percent over the past 12 months.
Afghanistan represents the ICRC's third largest operation in terms of expenditure this year, with a budget of 80 million Swiss francs.
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