“This report highlights the significant and positive impact of UK humanitarian aid on Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. It underscores the continued need for the UK's unwavering commitment to the Afghan people, who are trapped in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 23 million people in need of vital assistance.
“In particular, we welcome the report’s call for the UK to bolster its presence in Afghanistan. Enhanced diplomatic engagements will be crucial for maintaining oversight of aid programmes, safeguarding principled humanitarian action, and holding the authorities accountable for their obligations towards Afghan women and girls.
“When I visited Afghanistan last year, I witnessed first-hand the challenges that small businesses led by women face in finding skilled labour and accessing financial services for loans and investments. We urge the UK to reinstate vital development programmes to help Afghans build resilience and boost the private sector. The UK and other donors must also maintain funding for life-saving humanitarian assistance at a time when the Afghan people struggle to reverse cycles of poverty and despair.”
Notes to editors:
- The Independent Commission for Aid Impact’s report ‘UK humanitarian aid to Afghanistan 2023-24’ was published on 11 July 2024.
- There are an estimated 23.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan in 2024. Despite the severity of needs, only 23.2 per cent of the USD 3.06 billion required for the humanitarian response has been funded so far this year.
- NRC has been working in Afghanistan since 2003 and provides assistance to meet people’s immediate needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions.
- NRC is currently operating in 12 provinces: Badghis, Balkh, Faryab, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Sar-e-Pul, Uruzgan, and Zabul. NRC’s responds to the needs of all Afghans, including women and girls.
- NRC received £23 million from the UK’s Foreign Development and Commonwealth Office between 2019-2023 for shelter programmes and legal assistance.
- The UK has committed £113.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for 2023-2024 to help alleviate the worst of the crisis, but more must be done to address the underlying humanitarian issues and facilitate a sustainable response.
- Photos are available for free use here.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
- NRC Regional Media and Communications Adviser: Christian Jepsen, christian.jepsen@nrc.no, +254706248391 (WhatsApp)
