Overview/Background

Concern Worldwide was founded by John and Kay O Loughlin-Kennedy in 1968, in response to the famine in the breakaway province of Biafra in Nigeria. The widespread conflict that followed Biafras attempt to secede from Nigeria caused the displacement of millions and a blockade of food, medicine, and basic necessities by the Nigerian authorities. At the height of the crisis in the summer of 1968, it was estimated that 6,000 children were dying every week.

Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Currently, Concern has been working in Afghanistan since 1998, when it responded to an earthquake disaster in Takhar province.  Currently, Concern has been working in Takhar and Badakhshan provinces undertaking both emergency response and long-term developmental work in the areas of livelihood security, primary education, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. 

In Afghanistan

We respond rapidly to emergencies, but we also build resilience so that communities are better prepared to withstand the shocks caused by climate change and on-going conflict. A commitment to social inclusion and gender equality is central to our work.

Why are we in Afghanistan? Concern has worked in Afghanistan since responding to a major earthquake in 1998. Today, Afghanistan continues to face one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world. Prolonged poverty, recurring environmental disasters and insecurity pose significant challenges to Afghans, with lasting political, economic and social implications. Concern is responding with emergency, resilience and long-term development programming.

Almost two thirds of Afghans live in areas directly affected by conflict

Despite development advances in recent years, Afghanistan remains an extremely volatile and fragile country following nearly four decades of instability. Violence continues to undermine the country’s development, with almost two thirds of the Afghan population living in areas directly affected by conflict, prompting ongoing internal displacement that erodes people’s resources and coping mechanisms over time.

These challenges are compounded by the limited capacity of communities, government and humanitarian actors to withstand the impact of repeated natural disasters including floods, landslides, earthquakes and drought.

As one of the world’s least developed countries, Afghanistan’s institutions are faced with an ever-changing and challenging context marred by both conflict and disaster, while also having to implement environmental policies, adapt to climatic shocks, and effectively respond when disasters occur.

Year of establishment

1968

Address: 52–55 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2, D02 H425

Telephone for queries: +353 1 417 7700 

Telephone for donations: 1850 410 510

Email: info@concern.net 

Fax: +353 1 475 7362