KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) announced on Tuesday that it has suspended parts of its operations and closed several offices across Afghanistan due to a major funding shortfall.
In a statement, the NRC warned that the steep drop in international aid, particularly from the US, is shrinking the presence of humanitarian organizations in the country, putting millions of lives at risk — especially women and children.
“At a time when Afghanistan urgently needs international support, NRC and our partners are facing drastic cuts from key donors,” said Suze van Meegen, NRC’s interim country director in Afghanistan. “This leaves us no choice but to make unsustainable reductions in services, further jeopardizing lifelines for the most vulnerable communities.”
She added that the suspension of US funding has forced the NRC to halt some of its programs, including community resource centers, and cut shelter and livelihood support. These reductions have also led to the closure of several offices and the termination of dozens of contracts, including those of international staff.
Ms. van Meegen described the current situation as the “most challenging” the NRC has faced in its 22-year presence in Afghanistan but stressed that the organization will continue its efforts to support those most in need.
Since January, the NRC has shut down two of its community resource centers and warned that two more could face closure in the coming months if additional funding is not secured.
The organization has been operating in Afghanistan since 2003, offering shelter and protection services to displaced families and returnees. It’s one of many aid groups struggling to maintain services amid growing humanitarian needs and shrinking donor support.
Earlier, NRC Secretary General Jan Egeland criticized the US and other NATO members for what he described as abandoning Afghanistan amid a deepening crisis. During a recent visit to Kabul, Egeland wrote that these countries spent trillions of dollars over two decades, left abruptly in 2021, and have since forgotten their commitment to the people of Afghanistan.
Afghanistan remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies. The UN estimates nearly 23 million people need assistance in 2025, with women and children bearing the brunt of poverty, displacement, and restrictive policies.
Despite soaring needs, aid agencies are facing serious financial constraints. The UN’s $3.06 billion humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan in 2024 was only 40% funded. The 2025 appeal, calling for $2.42 billion, has so far raised just 13.3% of the required amount.
