Kabul: ARCS and ICRC Emphasize Expanding Humanitarian Cooperation
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Sheikh-ul-Hadith Shahabuddin Delawar, General President of the ARCS, and Vice President Hafiz Azizur Rahman met at the ARCS headquarters with Yasmine Praz Dessimoz, Director of Operations at the ICRC in Geneva, and Johannes Brouwer, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Afghanistan, to discuss expanding humanitarian services and cooperation.
During the meeting, Mr. Delawar provided information on the humanitarian and health activities of the ARCS, stating that the organization supports women without guardians, people affected by disasters, families in need, and returnees. He added that the ARCS also provides treatment services for people with mental health conditions and children with congenital heart defects.
He said that, through its branches in all 34 provinces of the country, the ARCS provides monthly cash assistance to 80 vulnerable families in each province and 100 vulnerable families in each of its seven zones, with each family receiving AFN 5,000.
He further stated that the ARCS provides healthcare services in remote areas through fixed health centers and mobile teams. The organization also provides recently returned people from neighboring countries with temporary shelter, hot meals, and healthcare services at designated camps.
Mr. Delawar also shared information about the activities of the Cardiac Hospital and called for expanded humanitarian assistance to support and provide treatment for women without guardians, returnees, people with mental health conditions, and, in particular, patients with congenital heart defects.
He thanked the ICRC for its continued cooperation, noting that the organization’s support plays an important role in strengthening the humanitarian and healthcare services of the ARCS.
ICRC officials praised the humanitarian activities of the ARCS and reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges, strengthening healthcare services, and supporting vulnerable and needy families.
They also stated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs would be raised with relevant international partners during upcoming meetings to help mobilize further support and cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the continuation of joint cooperation to expand humanitarian services, support families in need, and help meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan.
