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The Australian government has announced a further $50 million in humanitarian support for the people of Afghanistan.
The country is governed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban) following the collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and withdrawal of international forces.
The latest announcement brings the total humanitarian support provided to the people of Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul in 2021 to $310 million.
The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the world’s worst protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban’s failure to meet basic needs, according to Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“The situation in Afghanistan is dire. The Australian government remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls.”
“Australia’s humanitarian support will help save lives, alleviate suffering, and meet the basic needs of communities affected by the ongoing Afghanistan crisis.”
Australia’s humanitarian assistance is focused on supporting women and girls, prioritising food security, health services, and protecting dignity, safety and rights.
Australia works with established United Nations partners to ensure the support helps those in need, and not the Taliban regime.
This package will be delivered by agencies including the World Food Programme and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.
“This funding will help address urgent humanitarian needs and support vulnerable people across Afghanistan,” according to International Development Minister Anne Aly.
“Through this support, we’re continuing our work with trusted partners to ensure assistance is delivered safely, transparently and to those who need it most.”
Almost 22 million people in Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian support. The Taliban’s oppression of women and girls, including limiting access to employment, medical services, education and public life, mean they are disproportionately impacted.
