NPA halts humanitarian operations in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has halted all its operations and humanitarian activities in Afghanistan.

In a statement, NPA said the Department of State had instructed it to immediately pause its US-funded activities in Afghanistan.

NPA’s announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing all of America’s foreign aid.

Besides Afghanistan, the organisation had also halted its demining and disarmament operations in 12 other countries, the statement added.

Angola, Cambodia, Iraq, Kosovo, Laos, Palau, Peru, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, Yemen and Afghanistan are the countries where NPA has paused operations.

The Norwegian People’s Aid views unexploded war remnants and landmines as a serious threat to the lives of people and an obstacle to development.

In 2023, nearly 7,000 people worldwide lost their lives due to mines and cluster munitions, and the organization received about $41 million from US government agencies for rescue activities in 2024.

The statement notes that the Norwegian People's Aid Organization is in discussions with US officials and other influential parties to continue cooperation for safe and mine-free societies and hopes that the US government will continue to prioritize this vital work.

aw/mud