International Rescue Committee
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The IRC in Afghanistan

 In 1980, the IRC began by providing emergency medical relief to refugees fleeing to Pakistan to escape the Soviet invasion. We expanded our rehabilitation work in 1988, preparing for the return of refugees from neighboring countries. The IRC then continued to help Afghans during the Taliban regime, its collapse, and following Afghanistan’s first elections in 2005.

 

We continue to focus on providing returning refugees with shelter, water and sanitation,and on restoring the nation’s health, infrastructure and economy. Our education support is a key part of these comprehensive programs to renew dignity and self-reliance for the Afghan people.

Voices from the Field: Read blog posts from Afghanistan

 

Afghanistan is at a crossroads. Six million children"half the nation"s number and more than ever before"are now enrolled in school. An amazing 1/3 of them are girls, whose education has traditionally been undervalued and restricted.
Photo: 
Peter Biro/The IRC