KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Australia announced A$50 million (~USD35 million) in humanitarian aid for the people of Afghanistan, with a focus on supporting women and girls as the country’s humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate.
In a joint statement on Thursday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and International Development Minister Anne Aly said the new funding aims to address urgent needs among Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls who have been disproportionately affected by the crisis.
“The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the world’s worst protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban’s failure to meet basic needs,” the statement said. “The Taliban’s oppression of women and girls, including limiting access to employment, medical services, education and public life, mean they are disproportionately impacted.”
The funding will be delivered through the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), with a focus on food security, health services, and the protection of dignity, safety, and rights, the statement said.
The new allocation brings Australia’s total humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 to $310 million, according to the government.
“The situation in Afghanistan is dire. The Australian Government remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls,” Wong said. “Australia’s humanitarian support will help save lives, alleviate suffering, and meet the basic needs of communities affected by the ongoing Afghanistan crisis.”
Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies, with nearly 22 million people requiring assistance this year, according to United Nations estimates. Women and children are among the most affected, as women and girls remain barred from education, most jobs, and medical services.
Malnutrition continues to be a major concern. The World Food Programme estimates that about 3.7 million children and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will face acute malnutrition in 2026.
UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that funding gaps threaten life-saving operations across the country. They have called for increased and sustained international support, particularly for communities affected by natural disasters and for families returning to areas struggling with food shortages and harsh winter conditions.
