The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a contribution of three million euros (approximately 3.2 million dollars) from the European Union to the Humanitarian Fund for Afghanistan. This donation will enable relief agencies to provide essential aid and protection to millions in need across Afghanistan, as stated by the Afghan news agency “Khaama Press.”
Throughout the year, the European Union has been actively supporting Afghanistan, offering various aid packages to address the ongoing crisis. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with more than half of the population in need of assistance. OCHA anticipates a staggering requirement of about three billion dollars for adequate aid provision in Afghanistan next year. For the year 2023, OCHA initially requested 4.6 billion dollars for Afghan aid efforts. However, this requested amount has not been fully met, leading to a significant shortfall in funding for the country’s aid needs.
Recently, Afghanistan has received significant funding from various international sources to address its humanitarian crisis. The United States, through the USAID, has provided $12 million in immediate humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck northwestern Afghanistan in October. This aid is aimed at meeting the urgent needs of the affected people, with support for essential supplies, emergency shelter kits, and medical care.
The Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) also received a significant boost with a $2 million contribution from the Kuwait Society for Relief. This funding will be dedicated to addressing critical humanitarian and basic needs in Afghanistan, including health and clean water.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has also deepened, with more than 29 million people requiring assistance. This is a significant increase from earlier in the year, indicating a 340 percent rise in humanitarian needs over the past five years. Thousands of families are living in tents and makeshift shelters following earthquakes in Herat province, and the situation is further complicated by the deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan. The deteriorating conditions highlight the severe challenges that Afghanistan faces, including an economic collapse, drought, and the aftermath of a major earthquake.
