Contact with Taliban Necessary for Supporting Afghan Women and Girls, Says Norway
The Norwegian government announced that it will provide 151 million krone (approximately 14 million USD) in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
In a statement, the Norwegian government said that women and girls in Afghanistan are at risk and Norway needs contact with the Taliban to support them.
On Tuesday, the Norwegian government in a statement added that its total aid to Afghanistan in 2024 will amount to 550 million krone (approximately 52 million USD).
The government assured that this financial aid will not fall into the hands of the Taliban, but will be channeled through international organisations.
Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated in the announcement, "It is important to continue our commitments to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, women and girls are at risk and need support. Therefore, we need to communicate with the Taliban to clearly express our views on their unacceptable treatment of women and girls."
In May, Norway hosted several members of civil society, women's rights activists, and Taliban representatives. This policy of hosting and dialogue has been criticised by opponents of the Taliban as Norway's disregard for the Taliban's behaviour and policies.
The statement quoted the Norwegian Minister of International Development, who said, "Afghans are suffering from a prolonged humanitarian crisis. According to UN estimates, nearly 23 million people need humanitarian assistance."
The Norwegian official also mentioned the casualties and damages caused by floods in northern and western Afghanistan, emphasising on the importance of addressing the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.
Norway stated that its aid will be delivered through the Red Cross, the United Nations, and other international relief agencies, focusing on education, health, migrants, and internally displaced persons.
