Afghanistan Peace CampaignAid reductions—especially from donor countries like the United States—have created serious challenges for many humanitarian agencies.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) announced that, due to severe funding cuts, it has been forced to suspend part of its operations in Afghanistan and close several of its offices.
The organization said that the large-scale reduction in international aid is diminishing the presence of humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan, placing millions of lives in an increasingly dangerous situation.
“Like many humanitarian organisations, NRC Afghanistan has been forced to close offices in several provinces and lay off many dedicated and professional humanitarian staff, with a particularly adverse impact on female aid workers. These funding cuts have far-reaching consequences. They extend from communities that have lost access to basic assistance to thousands of experienced Afghan staff that have lost their livelihoods,” said Suze van Meegen, NRC’s interim country director in Afghanistan.
Aid reductions—especially from donor countries like the United States—have created serious challenges for many humanitarian agencies.
Economic experts also view the reduction in aid operations as harmful to Afghan citizens, particularly under current conditions. They stress that global support, especially from the United States, should continue in the humanitarian and development sectors.
Shamsur Rahman Ahmadzai, an economic analyst, said: “If the US announces a halt to its aid to Afghanistan, these rules and principles should apply globally. Assistance must continue in times of crisis, not just in Afghanistan but everywhere.”
Qutbuddin Yaqubi, another economic expert, said: “The suspension of aid from institutions working in Afghanistan, especially the Norwegian Refugee Council, could unfortunately have a negative impact—particularly now when the country is grappling with migration, economic challenges, and poverty.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy confirmed that the suspension of US aid has financially strained many aid agencies, which in turn has negatively affected citizens’ living conditions.
Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, told TOLOnews: “The suspension of U.S. aid has created financial problems for a number of aid organizations. Humanitarian assistance during emergencies is meant to support those in need and must include food and hygiene provisions for disaster-affected individuals.”
Earlier, the Center for Global Development reported that 35% of all foreign aid to Afghanistan had been provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the suspension of that aid could result in a 7% drop in Afghanistan’s economic growth.