Kabul: ARCS, ICRC, and IFRC Discuss Expanding Humanitarian Cooperation

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Sheikh-ul-Hadith Shahabuddin Delawar, General President of the ARCS, and Vice President Hafiz Azizur Rahman met with Johannes Bruwer, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Afghanistan, and Hossam Faysal, Head of the IFRC Delegation in Afghanistan, at the central headquarters of the ARCS.

During the meeting, comprehensive discussions were held on providing emergency assistance to families affected by the recent floods, mobilizing humanitarian aid, strengthening coordination with international donors, reinforcing the emergency stocks of regional offices and provincial branches, and ensuring the availability of essential relief items and equipment for emergency response.

Mr. Delawar provided an overview of the ARCS’ humanitarian and health services, noting that the Society delivers a wide range of humanitarian assistance to people in need, disaster-affected communities, internally displaced persons, and families returning from neighboring countries across Afghanistan. He emphasized that the continued support of international operational partners and donors is essential to expanding these services.

He also emphasized increasing direct engagement and coordination with international partners to mobilize humanitarian assistance by sharing accurate information on the country’s humanitarian needs, the impact of natural disasters, and the situation of vulnerable families, thereby expanding opportunities to secure humanitarian support.

Mr. Hafiz Azizur Rahman noted that Afghanistan is regularly affected by floods, earthquakes, droughts, and other natural disasters, leaving thousands of families in need of humanitarian assistance each year. He underscored the importance of strengthening provincial emergency stocks, ensuring the timely availability of relief supplies, and maintaining the continued support of international operational partners to enable rapid and effective emergency response.

The heads of the ICRC and IFRC delegations commended the ARCS for its humanitarian activities and pledged to continue cooperation in coordinating with international donors, mobilizing humanitarian assistance, and strengthening the ARCS’ international relations.

Both sides also expressed confidence that they would further strengthen their joint cooperation in distributing cash assistance to flood-affected families in Nuristan Province, expanding emergency humanitarian assistance, and delivering other essential humanitarian services.