As the situation in Afghanistan deteriorated throughout 2007 and into 2008, civilians continued to be caught up in the violence with many killed or injured. Others were forced to flee their homes joining the tens of thousands already displaced by the fighting. The ICRC provides emergency assistance for the displaced in the form of food and non-food items such as tarpaulins, blankets, soap and kitchen sets. Emergency aid is normally distributed in partnership with the Afghan Red Crescent.