The restriction of U.S. foreign aid to Afghanistan has had severe consequences, further worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis and disproportionately affecting women and girls.
The suspension of several aid projects by humanitarian organizations has deepened the crisis, leaving many without access to basic necessities, including food and healthcare.
Some Afghan women say that the cessation of aid has directly impacted their livelihoods.
“Our work was in a sewing workshop funded by an American organization. The institution provided the expenses, and we worked there sewing clothes. The organization paid us, and we managed our living expenses with that money,” said Zahra, a resident of Badghis. “Now that the organization has closed, it has been a financial blow for us because we depended on that money. It has also affected us mentally because we are now forced to stay at home unemployed, with no other job opportunities available.”
Many have called on aid organizations to continue their operations and prevent the worsening humanitarian crisis from claiming more lives.
“My husband is sick, and I cannot work. Every month, we received aid through our registered cards. Whether it was little or more, it helped us survive,” said Shakufa, another resident of Badghis. “Now, I, along with my six daughters and sick husband, are left hungry. By God, we don’t even have food for today’s lunch.”
According to a recent report by ACAPS, the United Nations requires $2.42 billion in humanitarian aid this year to assist approximately 17 million vulnerable people in Afghanistan. However, as of now, only $279 million of that amount has been secured, raising concerns over the ability to meet urgent humanitarian needs.
The funding shortfall, combined with increasing restrictions on aid operations, has left millions at risk, particularly women and children, who are often the most vulnerable in times of crisis.
