Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, has warned of a severe budget shortfall affecting humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, as millions remain in urgent need of assistance.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Dujarric stated that approximately 23 million people in Afghanistan continue to rely on international humanitarian aid. He emphasised the growing challenges faced by the UN and its partner agencies due to funding constraints.
Dujarric also highlighted the recent visit of Tom Fletcher, the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, to Afghanistan. During his trip, Fletcher stressed to Taliban officials that the situation of Afghan women remains a paramount concern, reiterating that meaningful development is impossible without girls’ education and their full participation in society.
While in Kabul, Fletcher met with senior Taliban figures, including Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister; Deen Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy; and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the group’s Foreign Minister. Discussions focused on the impact of climate change on the humanitarian crisis, counter-narcotics initiatives, and security matters.
The Taliban’s official statement regarding Fletcher’s visit made no mention of his calls for improved access to education for girls.
Dujarric further noted that Fletcher addressed the repercussions of budget cuts on humanitarian programmes, urged the reduction of bureaucratic restrictions, and emphasised the essential role of women in humanitarian efforts. He also discussed the situation of Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan.
The United Nations voiced its concerns over funding cuts at a time when the United States recently announced the suspension of its aid to the World Food Programme in Afghanistan, citing concerns over the Taliban’s misappropriation of assistance.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has placed US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan under a 90-day review, aiming to ensure that aid does not benefit the Taliban and aligns with broader US foreign policy priorities. The outcome of the review has not yet been announced.
