EU releases €113 million in humanitarian support in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan

During the Afghanistan Pledging Conference, the Commission will announce €113 million in EU humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, addressing the urgent needs in Afghanistan and the region. This includes €18 million allocated in Iran and Pakistan this year.

“Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Following the cold winter season, millions of women, men and children are struggling in the face of acute hunger. I wish to thank the governments of Germany, Qatar, the United Kingdom, as well as the UN, for joining forces to organize this timely conference. The EU stands in full solidarity and will continue its support to vulnerable Afghan refugees and host communities in Iran and Pakistan”, said Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič.

EU humanitarian support focuses on specialized medical care, supply of food and nutrition, shelter, as well as the protection of civilians and education projects for the Afghan people and Afghans displaced to neighboring countries. Out of this, €2 million is dedicated to a series of EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights. By June 2022, these flights will have provided 490 metric tonnes of lifesaving medical cargo, surgical equipment, and nutritional support to Afghanistan.

The EU will also provide €11 million in assistance in Iran where aid projects focus on health and protection of the most vulnerable. €7 million will be provided in Pakistan to address the most pressing needs in the country. The EU’s assistance is always channeled through international aid organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and UN agencies.