EU to provide €161m in aid to Afghanistan this year

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Commission has announced it will provide €161 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan this year to support the most vulnerable people.

In a statement, the Commission said the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan remains among the world’s most severe.

It said this funding would support humanitarian organisations working inside Afghanistan with over €141 million, while also responding to the needs of Afghan citizens and refugees in Pakistan and Iran, with €10 million allocated per country.

The statement added: “As part of the EU support, a new flight of the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge to Afghanistan arrived on June 17, bringing nearly 100 tonnes of essential humanitarian supplies. Since the launch of this air bridge in 2021, a total of 40 flights have been arranged, carrying around 2,150 tonnes of relief items.”

The new EU funding will include food assistance, healthcare services and treatment for malnutrition and improved access to clean water and sanitation in remote areas.

The commission said: “It will also support the protection of vulnerable groups, including offering legal assistance and safeguarding the rights of at-risk individuals. Education in emergencies will continue to be prioritised, with a particular focus on ensuring access for girls, as well as disaster preparedness measures.”

Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: “As the Afghan people continue to face numerous hardships, both within Afghanistan and in Pakistan and Iran, the EU remains ready to help. Particularly concerning are the needs of the thousands of Afghans that have recently returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring countries, a situation that is only adding to the population’s suffering.

She added this EU funding would provide much needed aid to the most vulnerable, so they can get food, healthcare, education and other essential services.

Since 2021, the EU has provided over €860 million in humanitarian funding for the crisis in Afghanistan.

kk/ma