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Humanitarian crisis intensifies in Afghanistan

Published

4 years ago

August 19, 2021

James Kleeman

United Nations say the Taliban have so far allowed their work to continue uninterrupted, as world leaders and NGO’s work tirelessly to meets the needs of thousands of displaced Afghans in what is now a major humanitarian crisis.

An estimated 270,000 Afghans have been newly displaced inside the country since January 2021 – primarily due to insecurity and violence – bringing the total uprooted population to over 3.5 million and rising.

Taliban leaders have assured officials that the takeover would be peaceful, and that women’s safety in the country a priority, despite reports that women are being forced to stay indoors and forego work and extracurricular activities.

"This is not because we are seeking afghans out, Afghanistan needs it people today more than ever" @WorldVision Aus CEO @dwordsworth @WorldVisionAus wants Australia to take 20,000 Afghans fleeing persecution by the Taliban – do you agree? #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/P69SZZu48D
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) August 19, 2021

Taliban assures NGO’s they’ve reformed

Daniel Wordsworth, CEO of World Vision Australia says the Taliban have so far not interfered with their ongoing aid work in the country.

Several large humanitarian groups maintain they have a mandate to continue emergency aid. But the scope of what that would look like is uncertain – dependent on fraught negotiations with the Taliban, and clouded by the potential for tighter restrictions and threats to Afghan staff.

@WorldVisionAus calls for additional 20,000 Afghan refugees https://t.co/v0avn0WoCm
— World Vision AUS (@WorldVisionAus) August 18, 2021

World Vision calls for government action

World Vision Australia is asking the government to provide 20,000 places within their refugee program for displaced Afghans feeling the Taliban.

So far, the Australian government has pledged to offer 3000 humanitarian crisis visas, despite other nations declaring to offer more than six times that figure.

Priority will be given to Afghans with family in Australia, women and girls, and persecuted minorities as part of their ongoing rescue operation.

Australia’s first evacuation flight from Afghanistan lands to safety

Australia’s commitment falls short of what is being offered by some other developed countries.

Late last week, Canada detailed a plan to offer 20,000 special humanitarian visas to vulnerable Afghans in response to the current crisis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison referenced the moves made by other countries and ruled out making similar promises, despite pledging further ADF involvement.

“You would have heard other countries talk about figures of 5,000, I note that some are talking about figures of 20,000”.

“But, can I tell you, there are no clear plans about that”.

“Australia is not going into that territory”, he said.

Related Topics:Afghanistan crisis Featured Politics

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Mushroom foraging tours face rising insurance costs

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

Published

7 minutes ago

July 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

In Short:
Erin Patterson’s trial for poisoning relatives has raised concerns about rising insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours in Australia, impacting operators like Feresh Pizarro and Natasha Vorogushin. Despite increased premiums, the Insurance Council maintains these changes are not directly related to the trial, highlighting a need for better public education on fungi.

The trial of Erin Patterson, who poisoned three relatives with death cap mushrooms, has affected mushroom foraging tours in Australia.

Operators report rising insurance costs, though the Insurance Council of Australia states these increases are unlikely linked to the trial. Patterson was recently convicted, prompting concerns among tour guides like Feresh Pizarro, who claims her insurance premiums have skyrocketed, threatening her business viability.

She explains the importance of educating the public about fungi, which play significant ecological roles. Similarly, Natasha Vorogushin from Morwell faces challenges obtaining adequate insurance for her foraging workshops, illustrating industry-wide issues.

Insurance costs

Richard Ford, a tour operator in Mount Macedon, also notes high insurance costs looming over his activities. Despite these challenges, the Insurance Council asserts that insurance adjustments often do not arise from perceived risks associated with singular events, such as Patterson’s case.

University of NSW actuarial studies professor Michael Sherris believes that while premiums are rising generally, this specific trial is unlikely to affect the insurance landscape for mushroom foraging.

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Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

US and Israel push for Gaza ceasefire; Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize amid renewed peace talks.

Published

2 hours ago

July 11, 2025

ticker NEWS

US and Israel push for Gaza ceasefire; Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize amid renewed peace talks.

The United States and Israel have doubled down on regional stability, with hopes rising for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and an unexpected diplomatic twist: Prime Minister Netanyahu has nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The two leaders met at the White House, discussing peace talks gaining momentum in Qatar, and reaffirming joint military efforts, including Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

#MiddleEastPeace #TrumpNobel #IsraelUS #GazaCeasefire #TickerNews

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Trump takes centre stage in World Cup build-up

US prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup with $40B impact, 200K jobs; Trump receives 2025 Club World Cup trophy.

Published

2 hours ago

July 11, 2025

ticker NEWS

US prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup with $40B impact, 200K jobs; Trump receives 2025 Club World Cup trophy.

The United States is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it’s more than just a game, $40 billion in economic impact and 200,000 new jobs are on the line.

President Trump received the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup trophy from FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, ahead of the tournament’s final in New York and New Jersey.

The gesture cements Trump’s growing involvement as the U.S. prepares to co-host 104 matches across 16 cities with Canada and Mexico, in what Infantino calls “three Super Bowls a day.”

#FIFA2026 #TrumpWorldCup #USSoccer #ClubWorldCup #TickerNews