KABUL: The Australian government has announced an additional $50 million in humanitarian aid for the people of Afghanistan. With the recent announcement, the total amount of humanitarian assistance from Australia to the Afghan people since the fall of Kabul in 2021 has reached $310 million. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the people of Afghanistan are facing one of the world’s longest and most severe humanitarian crises. She stressed, “The situation in Afghanistan is dire. The Australian government is committed to supporting Afghans, particularly women and girls.” She added that Australia’s humanitarian assistance will help save lives, alleviate suffering, and meet the basic needs of vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. Australia’s humanitarian efforts are primarily focused on women and girls, including priorities such as food security, healthcare services, and the protection of human dignity, safety, and rights. Australia works with its trusted partners and allies, particularly United Nations agencies, to ensure that assistance reaches those in need, rather than the Taliban government. The aid will be distributed through the World Food Program (WFP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund. Australia’s Minister for International Development, Anne Aly, stated, “This funding will help address urgent humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and assist those in distress.”She further noted, “Through this aid, we will continue to work with our trusted partners to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most safely and transparently.” According to UN, nearly 22 million Afghans currently require urgent humanitarian assistance. The restrictions placed on women and girls by the Taliban, such as preventing access to work, healthcare, education, and public life, have exacerbated their vulnerability compared to others.
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