Afghanistan Famine

That the Parliament notes that the scale of what it sees as Afghanistan’s economic and social collapse has reportedly reached such crisis levels that 23 million people, nearly half the population, are, it understands, now experiencing acute food insecurity; notes that, according to the UN World Food Programme, this number is up from 14 million in September 2021, and 8.7 million people are now reportedly at risk of famine; understands that most governmental aid was suspended following what it sees as the Taliban takeover of the country; further understands, however, that some NGOs, are still able to provide assistance; notes what it considers as harrowing reports, that people have turned to selling their children and organs to survive; acknowledges calls from the World Food Programme for $2.6 billion to fund operations needed over the winter; understands what it sees as the reluctance to send aid, due to concerns that it would bolster the Taliban; calls on the UK Government to use its influence to find a resolution in what it sees as this troubling situation, and hopes that the Scottish Government will provide any support that it can.