While the number of orphans and unsupervised children is increasing across Afghanistan, officials said that only 9 out of 68 public orphanages are operating in the country.

Mohammad Yunus Sediqi, head of the media department at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, said that 36 private orphanages are open in the country. “Currently nine public (government) orphanages are open as are 36 private ones. Efforts are underway to reopen the public orphanages if there is a budget for us.”

Six-year-old Hedayatullah lost his father in an accident and said his mother has left him. Hedayatullah asked for officials to consider children in need. “I ask the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to those who are without fathers and mothers, like me,” said Hedayatullah.

“My father was a soldier in the army, he was martyred. My mother was ill, she died of illness, so my grandfather brought me here, I feel better now,” said another orphan, Hekmatullah.

The high number of orphans is a source of concern for the country.

“People should lend a hand, even people with low incomes. We can provide them supplies and clothes by collecting even 200 Afghanis,” said Sayed Massoud, a university lecturer and economic expert.

Officials said that public orphanages have faced many challenges over the past six months.