U.N. raises funds for Afghanistan "lifeline" as starvation looms

United Nations — The United Nations held an emergency financial appeal meeting in Geneva on Monday to raise funds for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, whose people "need a lifeline," U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said. 

"After decades of war, suffering and insecurity, they face perhaps their most perilous hour," Guterres said. After the meeting, Guterres said more than $1 billion in aid pledges for Afghanistan had been made, much of which will go towards Monday's fundraising goal of $600 million.