WASHINGTON — President Biden has extended the national emergency regarding Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, first declared in Executive Order 14064 on February 11, 2022. The order, issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, addresses the “unusual and extraordinary threat” posed by Afghanistan’s widespread humanitarian crisis and its potential for further economic collapse.
In a letter to Congress, Biden cited Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian needs, including food security, livelihoods support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, and shelter assistance. He emphasized that these challenges continue to pose a significant threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Biden underscored the importance of safeguarding certain assets of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), Afghanistan’s central bank, held in U.S. financial institutions.
“The preservation of these assets is of the utmost importance for addressing the national emergency and supporting the welfare of the Afghan people,” Biden wrote, adding that various parties, including terrorism victims’ representatives, have asserted legal claims to these funds or signaled intent to do so through court filings.
These assets remain blocked under Executive Order 14064, and Biden stressed the necessity of maintaining the order beyond February 11, 2024, to ensure continued support for Afghanistan’s recovery efforts.
The decision comes as Afghanistan grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Taliban’s return to power and the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2021. According to the United Nations, nearly 23 million Afghans, including 12 million children, will require humanitarian assistance in 2025.
Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to addressing the crisis, extending the national emergency for one year under the National Emergencies Act.
“Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, I am continuing for one year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14064 with respect to the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse,” Biden stated.
