Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis | FAQ

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. 

• The New Zealand Government donated NZ$3 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Refugee Agency for humanitarian support in Afghanistan. Why is New Zealand Red Cross having an appeal to raise money for Afghanistan as well?

  New Zealand Red Cross is running this appeal to provide Kiwis with the opportunity to support people and families affected by the deepening crisis in Afghanistan. Although the Government’s contribution was incredibly generous, it will only go so far to meet the extensive humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. Funds raised from this appeal will both help evacuees from Afghanistan settle into Aotearoa New Zealand, and make sure the ICRC has the necessary resources to continue providing life-saving assistance in Afghanistan.

• Can New Zealand Red Cross guarantee the money I donate won’t go to the Taliban?

  Donations made to this appeal will directly support evacuees from Afghanistan settling into Aotearoa New Zealand. Some funds will go to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who, working closely with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, is on the ground providing urgent health and humanitarian assistance to Afghan people and families in need.

• So many New Zealanders have been severely affected by the pandemic. Is this the best time to be asking for money?

  In times of crisis, we know that many people find themselves wondering how they can best support others. We’ve seen this in the number of Kiwis who’ve already shown interest in helping the people of Afghanistan, as well as in the incredible amount of support we received from generous Kiwis during the nationwide lockdown last year. While we completely understand many Kiwis are unable to donate right now, this appeal provides the opportunity for those who are able to do so.

• What has New Zealand Red Cross been doing in Afghanistan to support the people there?

  Local agencies such as the Afghan Red Crescent and ICRC teams on the ground are best placed to provide direct support to people most affected in Afghanistan. New Zealand Red Cross is running this appeal to help make sure these agencies have the resources they need to continue providing this life-saving assistance. 

  When requested, New Zealand Red Cross has sent highly trained international delegates to Afghanistan where, using their specialist training and skills, they have work tirelessly with local teams to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity. Here in Aotearoa, New Zealand Red Cross has welcomed Afghan refugees and helped them settle into their new lives for the past 12 years. Our staff and volunteers play a crucial role in their resettlement journey and provide much-needed assistance in setting up a new home, finding work, enrolling in schools and learning and understanding Kiwi culture.  

• Why is Red Cross helping people in Afghanistan when there are plenty of people here in New Zealand that need help?

  We don’t need to choose one or the other – we can do both! New Zealand Red Cross is committed to helping those who need it most, whether they’re here in Aotearoa, arriving as refugees or in communities overseas. You can find out more about the work we do across New Zealand to help people in need here: https://www.redcross.org.nz/what-we-do/in-new-zealand/.

• Why isn’t Red Cross speaking out against the Taliban?

  The most important thing is making sure the people of Afghanistan have access to the support they need – from healthcare to food and shelter. As part of ensuring this, Red Cross is guided by seven Fundamental Principles in everything we do, here in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. These principles include impartiality and neutrality, whichsimply means that we are driven by humanitarian need and don’t take sides. This ensures Red Cross can access communities affected by conflict that other organisations cannot, and in doing so, distribute much-needed humanitarian aid to those who need it most. You can read more about our principles here: https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-stand/.

• Why has it taken so long for New Zealand Red Cross to launch an appeal for Afghanistan? Other charities did so over a week ago.

  New Zealand Red Cross is always ready and available to provide support both here in New Zealand and around the world. As part of an international movement, it is important that we work alongside our international partners to ensure our support is required and when and where it will have the most impact.

• Where does money raised through the appeal go?

  Donations made to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis Appeal will directly support Afghan evacuees to settle in Aotearoa New Zealand. Funds will also go to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who, working closely with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, is on the ground providing urgent health and humanitarian assistance to Afghan people and families in need.

• If the Afghan government has failed to support their people, why is it on Kiwis to spend our own money to support them?

  We believe that every country has an equal responsibility to help people in need. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield. It endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. This appeal offers New Zealanders the opportunity to provide urgent support those who need it most. 

• Can people donate goods to people in Afghanistan and how will they get there?

  Like most humanitarian organisations, Red Cross does not accept or ship unrequested goods overseas. While well-intentioned, unrequested goods often place more stress on relief efforts and communities already impacted by disaster or conflict. Communities recover faster when we source goods locally and use internationally recognised relief items. Therefore, we ask for cash instead of goods. Cash is also easier to collect, transfer, distribute and account for.

• More unanswered questions?

  If you have more questions about our Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis Appeal and wish to get more information, please contact us by emailing communications@redcross.org.nz or phoning 04 495 0139.