UK Must Sustain Critical Support for Afghanistan Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) recently released its report on UK aid to Afghanistan for 2023-24, highlighting the significant challenges and urgent needs in the region. The report underscores the essential role of British assistance in mitigating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, as Afghanistan continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.

According to the ICAI report, Afghanistan remains in dire straits, with an estimated 23.7 million people needing aid in 2024. Despite these overwhelming needs, only 23.2 percent of the required $3.06 billion for the humanitarian response has been funded so far this year. This shortfall highlights the urgent need for sustained and increased international support.

Martin Hartberg, the UK director of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), emphasized the positive impact of British aid over the past years and the necessity for continued commitment to the Afghan people. “The report highlights the significant and positive impact of UK humanitarian aid on Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021,” Hartberg stated. “It underscores the continued need for the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Afghan people, who are trapped in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.”

One of the report’s key recommendations is for the UK to bolster its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. Enhanced diplomatic engagements are crucial for maintaining oversight of aid programs, ensuring principled humanitarian action, and holding the Taliban accountable for their obligations, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls.

“When I visited Afghanistan last year, I witnessed first-hand the challenges that small businesses led by women face in finding skilled labor and accessing financial services for loans and investments,” Hartberg shared. These observations underscore the importance of reinstating development programs that can help build resilience and stimulate the private sector in Afghanistan.

The plight of Afghan women and girls remains a focal point in the humanitarian response. The NRC and other organizations have continuously advocated for the rights of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the ongoing crisis. The ICAI report calls for the UK to ensure that its aid programs prioritize these vulnerable groups, providing them with the support needed to thrive despite the challenging circumstances.

Hartberg emphasized the need for continued funding for life-saving assistance, stating, “The UK and other donors must also maintain funding for life-saving humanitarian assistance at a time when the Afghan people struggle to reverse cycles of poverty and despair.”

The NRC has been operating in Afghanistan since 2003, providing crucial assistance to meet immediate needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions. Currently active in 12 provinces, including Badghis, Balkh, Faryab, and Herat, the NRC’s work spans across various sectors, addressing the needs of all Afghans, including women and girls.

Between 2019 and 2023, the NRC received £23 million from the UK’s Foreign Development and Commonwealth Office for shelter programs and legal assistance. For 2023-2024, the UK has committed £113.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. While this contribution is significant, Hartberg and other humanitarian leaders assert that more must be done to address the underlying humanitarian issues and facilitate a sustainable response.

The ICAI report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and the pivotal role of British aid in alleviating suffering. As the Afghan people continue to face immense challenges, sustained and enhanced support from the international community is more crucial than ever. By bolstering diplomatic engagements, prioritizing the rights of women and girls, and maintaining funding for essential humanitarian assistance, the UK can help Afghanistan navigate this tumultuous period and work towards a more stable and prosperous future.