KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Sweden has contributed 100 million Swedish kronor ($9 million) to the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), the fund announced on Friday.
In a post on X, the STFA thanked the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for its contribution, stating that the “vital support” will empower Afghan communities by fostering resilience, hope, and sustainable solutions during challenging times.
“Together, we’re creating a lasting impact,” the fund said.
Established by the UN after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the STFA supports humanitarian and development efforts in the country. The fund focuses on providing essential assistance to vulnerable populations and supporting human rights and women’s empowerment initiatives.
According to its 2023 annual report, the fund has mobilized $204 million since its inception and provided assistance to over 5 million people across Afghanistan, with 46.8% of them being women.
Countries and international organizations contribute to the STFA, and the funds are allocated based on the needs assessed by the UN and its partners operating in Afghanistan.
The Swedish contribution comes at a time when Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over half of its population—nearly 24 million people—requiring lifesaving assistance, according to the UN.
The World Food Programme (WFP) previously reported that nearly 15 million people, which is one-third of Afghanistan’s population, require food assistance to survive the winter. The UN agency warned that the country is experiencing crisis or emergency levels of hunger.
The humanitarian response, however, faces a major funding gap. The UN’s $3.07 billion humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan remains critically underfunded, with only 37.5% of the required funds secured as of November. Humanitarian agencies have warned that without sufficient resources, they will be unable to meet the escalating needs of Afghan communities.
