Concerns Grow Over Rising Poverty Amid Aid Agency Closures
Last Updated on January 30, 2025 6:15 am
The shutdown of 50 aid organizations, alongside the suspension of humanitarian assistance in recent days, has raised serious concerns in the country.
Some experts warn that if the operations of aid organizations are permanently halted, the poverty crisis in Afghanistan will worsen. They also believe that continuing such decisions is a complete violation of human rights.
“Whenever these aid programs are cut, reduced, or politicized, ordinary Afghans suffer. Around three million children suffering from malnutrition are affected. Overall, those who stop or politicize these aid efforts are violating human rights,” Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economic expert, told TOLOnews.
Burhan, a 25-year-old from Samangan who now buys and sells scrap iron in Kabul, says providing for his family has become difficult, and he is in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
“I earn between 5,000 to 7,000 afghanis per month, which is not enough. Right now, even covering personal expenses is difficult, let alone providing for my family,” Burhan told TOLOnews.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy said the Islamic Emirate is working to exempt Afghanistan from this situation by strengthening national capacities and economic diplomacy with the international community. Additionally, the ministry urges the global community not to politicize humanitarian aid and to continue assisting Afghanistan.
Abdul Latif Nazari, the deputy minister of economy, stated: “The organizations that have ceased operations were mostly working in healthcare, agriculture, education, social security, disaster response, and other humanitarian efforts. The Islamic Emirate is striving to exempt Afghanistan from this situation through national capacities on one hand and by enhancing economic diplomacy with the international community on the other.”
This comes after the announcement of the US aid suspension to Afghanistan. The World Food Programme also stated that the halt in US assistance and the reduction of international funding have pushed one-third of Afghanistan’s population into severe hunger.