KABUL - The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is concerned over the future of Afghanistan as ongoing conflict and natural disasters continue to affect the country, a UN spokesman told reporters here on Friday.
"OCHA says Afghans are facing an uncertain future, despite improvements in education, health care and political participation over the past decade," UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky said during a daily news briefing.

According to a report released on the OCHA website, about 300 natural disasters have affected an estimated 200,000 Afghans so far this year. And with the upcoming withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force from Afghanistan in 2014, local economies, humanitarian needs and development gains could be at risk.

"The departure of foreign troops will reduce economic activity, state revenue and foreign aid, putting the development gains of the last decade at risk," said Nesirky.

On the OCHA website, Michael Keating, who was appointed Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan in July of last year, explained how the different groups of people in the country will be affected by the departure of foreign groups. He also explained the lasting effects of natural disasters for many Afghan residents.

"There are three groups of people with major humanitarian needs: those affected by sudden-onset natural disasters, chronically vulnerable people living in remote and inaccessible areas, and those affected by conflict," noted Keating.

"The greatest concern is whether security will increase or decrease, and how this will affect different parts of the country, "he said. "Don't abandon Afghanistan again, as it happened in the early 90's." (Bokhdi)