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		[598x1] At the crossroads of conflict and human rights, UNHCR is on the scene.  Here is your Insider Update: 1) Dr. Khaled Hosseini, US Envoy to UNHCR, appears on Diane Rehm show 2) Violence surges in southern Afghanistan Dear Friend of Refugees, 1.  Dr. Khaled Hosseini, US Envoy to UNHCR, appears on Diane Rehm show [показать] People are taking to the roads again to flee fighing in southern Afghanistan. Some 15,000 families, have left their homes for safety in the past three months. UNHCR/R.LeMoyne Dr. Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and UNHCR’s new US Envoy, appeared last week on The Diane Rehm Show to talk about his new position with the agency and to bring attention to UNHCR’s lifesaving work with refugees.  “I can think of no other people needier to assist than refugees,” he said, “I am deeply honored to have the chance to work with UNHCR.” A refugee from Afghanistan, Dr. Hosseini and his family received asylum in the United States in 1980 following turmoil in their homeland.  The Kite Runner takes the reader from the final days of Afghanistan’s monarchy to the atrocities of the present.  Dr. Hosseini explained that he would often receive emails from readers asking how they could help Afghanistan, “UNHCR was one of the foremost organizations I would refer them to,” he said. Since 2002 UNHCR has helped more than 3.5 million Afghans return to their home country.  The agency has helped build more than 150,000 new homes, and provides training in gender equity and conflict resolution, and teaches vocational skills to help returnees rebuild their lives. 2. Violence surges in southern Afghanistan

Meanwhile, back in Dr. Hosseini’s homeland, violence has surged in the south.  UNHCR is concerned for some 90,000 Afghans who have fled their homes in southern Afghanistan due to renewed violence pitting government and NATO forces against the Taliban. 

As the fighting has escalated, families began fleeing to cities further inland.  Haji Abdul Majeed took his family to Kandahar, "I will not return my family from Kandahar city until security has been restored," he said.

Unfortunately, for many families there is nothing to return to.  People have lost everything, their vineyards, orchards, schools and clinics.

UNHCR is working with the Afghan government’s Disaster Management Committee to ensure the displaced receive aid.  Already, jerry cans, plastic sheeting, family kits and blankets have been distributed to needy families.