World must not turn away from Afghans: UN

The international community must continue aiding Afghanistan or risk "disastrous consequences," UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi urged yesterday as a donors conference kicked off in Geneva.

Grandi's appeal comes after his visit to the war-torn nation that remains beset by violence and corruption, and is grappling with the imminent withdrawal of thousands of US troops.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Grandi said the future of millions of Afghans depends on the outcome of peace talks taking place in Qatar and on international commitment to develop the country, including at the two-day donors conference in Geneva.