Afghanistan Has Received Nearly $7 Billion In Aid In Three Years, Says UN

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has received a total of about $6.7 billion in aid, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported.

OCHA warned that aid cuts could jeopardise gains and increase food insecurity and poverty in the country.

In a report published on Sunday, OCHA explained that most of the aid came in 2022, with resources peaking at nearly $3.3 billion.
The aid comes amid an unprecedented increase in poverty, economic crisis, political collapse and the risk of health system collapse.

The organisation spoke of the positive effects of international aid on poverty reduction and the humanitarian crisis, adding that "Afghanistan remains extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, climate change and geopolitical developments”.

Referring to the Taliban's Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, OCHA expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on Afghan women and girls, calling it a sign of the human rights crisis and protection risks in the country.

The organisation stressed that international efforts have prevented famine and the number of vulnerable people has decreased. The absence of active fighting in the country has also facilitated better access and identification of needs in remote areas, OCHA said.

The organisation has warned that if the budget level is reduced, humanitarian gains will be quickly lost, and the vulnerable people of Afghanistan will once again face more suffering and damage.

Some observers have said that the Taliban members are misusing international humanitarian aid and interfering in its distribution.