The European Commission has announced it will allocate €37.5m in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.
The additional funds will be allocated to help people affected by conflict and natural disasters in the countries. The majority of the money – some €27m – will purchase life-saving supplies for those bearing the consequences of conflict in Afghanistan. A further €5m will be allocated to supporting Afghan refugees in Iran, and the final €5.5m will help Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The money will be used to cover areas such as emergency trauma care, food, water and sanitation, shelter and protection to newly displaced people. In Pakistan, it will go towards those affected by food insecurity and malnutrition as a result of natural disasters. In Iran, it will provide food assistance, shelter, health, protection, as well as education for vulnerable Afghan children.
What has the European Commission said?
Announcing the additional commitment of funds, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said that the financial aid is urgently needed in the region and will address some of the most pressing challenges they are facing.
He explained: “The assistance we are announcing today will reach those affected by the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, both within the country and across the region, many of whom face of extremely dire conditions. The EU’s commitment to the Afghan people remains unwavering. Incidents such as last week’s attack on a humanitarian organisation take innocent lives and threaten lifesaving support to those most in need. It’s fundamental that international humanitarian law is respected.”
Since 1994, the EU has allocated almost €1.4bn in humanitarian aid to the region, alongside its contributions of EU development assistance, to support the urgent needs of vulnerable populations. This money is also used to improve local capacities to prevent and respond to the effects of natural disasters and climate change.
