Afghanistan | EU steps up humanitarian assistance with €32 million

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič has concluded an official visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the country tries to move beyond one of the deadliest conflicts worldwide, lasting decades.

The visit was the first of an EU humanitarian affairs Commissioner in several years and aimed to maintain EU support following the 2020 Afghanistan Conference towards bringing peace to the country.

Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “Whilst peace negotiations are ongoing, humanitarian aid can be the central way to reach more than half of the population in the country, some 19 million people. It is paramount that all parties to the conflict facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and expand safe and unhindered access to the most vulnerable. Moreover, the protection of civilians, of education facilities, of hospitals, and humanitarian missions cannot wait till the end of the peace negotiations. For them to conclude successfully, respect of International Humanitarian Law to safeguard lives is an essential prerequisite for lasting peace and sustainable future of the country.”

During the visit, the Commissioner announced €32 million in humanitarian support to assist the civilians affected by the conflict for 2021. This brings the total EU humanitarian aid in Afghanistan since 1994 to over €1 billion.

This emergency support will help EU humanitarian partners to deliver basic assistance such as life-saving healthcare and protection services, including food and emergency shelter, education in emergencies to those affected by conflict, disasters and epidemics. All EU humanitarian funding is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.