Providing psychosocial support to UN personnel in a delicate political context
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has increased the vulnerability of the Afghan population in a climate of political turmoil. The International Organization of Migration (IOM) is on the ground with a team of national and international personnel. "UN Volunteers have been an integral part of IOM's outreach to women and men in Afghanistan, where two-thirds of the population are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance," says Maria Moita, Chief of the IOM mission in the country.
In delivering much-needed aid and assistance to the Afghan population, IOM national and international personnel face security risks and elevated stress. One of these is UN Volunteer Staff Counselor Anne Mungai (Kenya).
Anne joined IOM in Afghanistan in November 2022, hoping to share her expertise she gained in her native country, Kenya. She supports IOM personnel in the delicate political environment that followed restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities on Afghan women and girls, who have been barred from schools, universities and work.