Pearl Jam Unites with World’s Largest Nonprofits to Urge Action on Afghanistan

Washington, D.C., Jan. 11, 2022 — Pearl Jam and Tom Morello are advocating alongside a coalition of global humanitarian leaders and artists to urge the White House to address Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis, which cannot be solved by aid alone.

Pearl Jam rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard shared, “We have all witnessed how difficult it has been to wind down U.S. involvement in Afghanistan but we can’t turn a blind eye now to the millions of families who are bearing the consequences. We have an obligation to support the Afghan people and to ensure our actions don’t make it even harder for them to access food and basic necessities.”

The campaign, which includes other notable names like Amanda Seyfried, Thomas Sadoski, Global Citizen, and Josh Klinghoffer, is asking for the U.S. and global leaders to address the economic drivers of the hunger crisis by facilitating banking access for Afghans, and finding new ways to support the country’s critical services like hospitals, schools, and utilities. The nine global charities include: Alliance for Peacebuilding, CARE USA, Catholic Relief Services, International Rescue Committee, InterAction, Norwegian Refugee Council USA, Save the Children US, War Child USA, and World Vision U.S.

As detailed in a joint statement issued by the nine humanitarian organizations, more than half the country’s population of 23 million people are facing acute food insecurity, including 9 million who are on the brink of famine. According to the United Nations, if no action is taken, more than 100,000 children could die of starvation. While prices skyrocket, Afghan families cannot access cash to pay for food, medicine, or other items.

“Humanitarian aid organizations and local partners are committed to delivering lifesaving relief during a profound time of need for the Afghan people,” said Sam Worthington, president of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based non-governmental organizations in the world. “InterAction members are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of the current humanitarian emergency. We are seeing that under a frozen financial system, looming economic crisis, and Taliban rule, many families will not survive the winter.”

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The Vitalogy Foundation is a 501c3 organization founded by Pearl Jam to translate the ethos of their music into tangible positive impacts. Learn more at www.pearljam.com/vitalogy

InterAction is a convener, thought leader, and voice for international nongovernmental organizations (NGO) working to eliminate extreme poverty, strengthen human rights and citizen participation, safeguard a sustainable planet, promote peace, and ensure dignity for all people.

Journalists & editors:

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Morgan Martinez, mmartinez@interaction.org, at InterAction, or Emily Benson, emily@vitalogyfoundation.org, at Vitalogy Foundation.