Western Region

As the humanitarian needs continue to increase in Western Region, access to priority humanitarian caseloads remain a key challenge. Access constraints remain more pronounced in conflict hot spots like Shindand (Herat Province), greater proportion of Farah province and remote parts of Ghor province. In Herat and Badghis provinces, hundreds have been reportedly displaced following armed clashes.

Growing conflict with the newly emergent militant groups compounded by infighting amongst non-state armed actors has added a new complex access dimension to the ongoing conflict and insecurity in Shindand, Herat province and Farah areas. Whilst conflict induced displacements continue to be reported in WR, all accounts show that the humanitarian space shrunk in all provinces in 2015.

Local organizations that used to have better access have also been affected by this emerging trend. Humanitarians exploring options to reach those in need of critical life saving assistance albeit of the contextual challenges. Elsewhere, Western Region continues to have pockets of humanitarian caseloads requiring humanitarian assistance.

The coordination mechanisms namely OCTs, HRTs and PDMCs, sub national clusters continue to address a range of humanitarian priorities. The recent HRT deliberated on the deteriorating humanitarian situation of conflict induced displacements and ways of delivering humanitarian assistance. The projected food insecurity in Ghor to be assessed further to establish the humanitarian issues.  Humanitarian response remain strong in the accessible areas with partners delivering life saving assistance to caseloads that need it most.