Pearl Jam, Morello and others seek U.S. assistance in Afghanistan hunger crisis

The United States may have withdrawn its military forces from Afghanistan earlier this year, but the well-being of the country’s people remains a concern for a number of humanitarian groups and artists concerned, including members of Pearl Jam and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who are seeking government assistance for those in need.

The band and guitarist joined Painted Shield, Grouplove, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Josh Klinghoffer and actors Amanda Seyfried and Thomas Sadoski as well as Pearl Jam’s Vitalogy Foundation and organizations Alliance for Peacebuilding, CARE USA, Catholic Relief Services, International Rescue Committee , InterAction, Norwegian Refugee Council USA, Save the Children USA, War Child USA and World Vision US in a new campaign to shine the spotlight on the food insecurity crisis in Afghanistan and ask for government help.

The artists and organization have written an open letter, visible below, in which they share their concerns and call for action.

This winter, 23 million people, more than half of the country, face acute food insecurity, including nearly 9 million who are one step away from famine conditions.

According to the United Nations, if no action is taken, up to 131,000 children could die of starvation.

Local and international organizations remain on the ground, determined to provide lifesaving assistance. However, humanitarian aid is not enough; the US government must take urgent action to address the economic drivers of this crisis. As prices soar, Afghan families have no access to money to pay for food, medicine or other basic items. U.S. and world leaders must make it easier for Afghans to access banking services and find new ways to support the country’s essential services like hospitals, schools and utilities.

We cannot allow the Afghan people to become the victim of the world’s inaction. As winter sets in, tens of millions of lives are at stake. World leaders must do the right thing, before it’s too late.

Sign,

Peacebuilding Alliance
UNITED STATES CARE
Catholic Relief
Interaction
International Rescue Committee
Norwegian Refugee Council United States
Save the Children United States
War Child United States
World Vision USA

By speaking with Variety, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready said, “As we watch the situation in Afghanistan unfold over the past few months, we feel there is a moral urgency to do what we can. For us, it’s really about bringing more attention to what is happening and to the fact that governments can take action to prevent millions of people from starving to death. Our country played an outsized role in Afghanistan for decades and we cannot look away now just because the military has officially withdrawn.

Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard added: “We have all seen how difficult it has been to reduce the American commitment in Afghanistan, but we cannot turn a blind eye to the millions of families who suffer the consequences. consequences. We have an obligation to support the Afghan people and ensure that our actions do not make it even more difficult for them to access food and basic necessities.

To learn more and find out how you can donate to help, visit the InterAction website here.