KABUL, Afghanistan — The International Rescue Committee’s Afghanistan director, Sherine Ibrahim, urged the United States to sustain its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, warning that millions of vulnerable people are at risk as funding declines.
In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Ibrahim said Afghanistan remains deeply affected by decades of conflict, economic instability, internal displacement, and climate shocks.
“Sixteen million people are facing dire food insecurity, and approximately 14 million cannot access basic healthcare services,” she said. “Afghanistan is emerging from decades of conflict, economic instability, Asia’s largest displacement crisis — and on top of all that, it is also the sixth most climate-vulnerable country in the world.”
Her remarks follow the International Rescue Committee’s latest report, which states that as Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis peaks, the reduction of U.S. funding has forced the suspension of critical life-saving services for millions of Afghans.
According to the IRC, Afghan civilians — particularly women and children — are becoming increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity, disease, and instability. The organization said cuts in U.S. assistance have disrupted vital programs, including healthcare, malnutrition treatment, vaccinations, clean water access, and education.
The report also highlights that Taliban-imposed restrictions on women have severely curtailed access to education, employment, and healthcare, particularly affecting female-headed households already struggling under worsening economic conditions.
Humanitarian agencies, including the IRC, have warned that without renewed international support, Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian situation could deteriorate even further in 2025.
