EU announces €150 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan crisis

In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the EU has activated its emergency aid reserve to avoid the risk of famine in the country. This will bring the total EU response to nearly €150 million in humanitarian aid for the crisis in 2024.

This funding will support partners working inside Afghanistan (nearly €126 million) and responding to the needs of Afghan refugees in Pakistan (over €11 million) and humanitarian organizations in Iran (nearly 11 million), as well as strengthening disaster preparedness.

In Afghanistan, EU funding will continue to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable populations, notably hard-to-reach communities. Aid will focus on food assistance, shelter, healthcare, and access to water and sanitation. Up to €14.5 million are earmarked for Education in Emergencies, as 8 million children and adolescents need educational assistance, including 1.4 million girls that are excluded from accessing secondary school.

In Pakistan, over €7 million will go to respond to the humanitarian needs of displaced Afghans and their host communities. For instance, providing access to legal assistance, healthcare, and nutrition, as well as education. Another €4 million will be dedicated to disaster preparedness in the country.

In Iran, the vast majority of funding, up to €10.25 million, will go to address the needs of displaced Afghan populations and host communities.

EU humanitarian aid is solely channeled through humanitarian partners working on the ground. The announcement comes as senior representatives of the international community gathered in Brussels to discuss Afghanistan’s food and health crisis.