UK pledges extra £286 million emergency aid to Afghanistan as humanitarian crisis grows

The UK has pledged to send an extra £286 million of emergency aid to the people of Afghanistan as the humanitarian crisis in the country grows.

The multi-million-pound package of aid matches last year’s commitment and will be channelled through UN partners and trusted non-governmental organisations (NGOs), with none going directly to the Taliban.

The funds will support basic services – such as improving access to healthcare, and helping farmers overcome the impact of drought the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

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‘Our humanitarian aid supports the most vulnerable’

The UN estimates around 10 million children across Afghanistan urgently need humanitarian assistance to survive.

The announcement comes as Britain is set to co-host a United Nations international pledging summit to help raise more than £3 billion for humanitarian relief in the wake of the Taliban takeover.

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It is the largest ever appeal for a single country.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The UK is rallying countries in support of the Afghan people and helping lead the way in providing life-sustaining food, shelter and medical supplies.

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“Together with allies and partners, we can do more and will do more to help Afghanistan.”

FCDO minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “The people of Afghanistan deserve the right not only to survive but to thrive and live in freedom. Our humanitarian aid supports the most vulnerable, including girls and women as well as marginalised religious minorities.

“I’m proud the UK is co-hosting this conference with the United Nations, Qatar and Germany, to strengthen the international response which has already saved lives this winter.”

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Thursday’s conference will source funds to support Afghanistan as well as focussing on protecting women and girls.

The department added that Ms Truss will “commit to putting women and girls at the heart of the UK’s response”, stressing the Taliban must “engage constructively to protect their rights and urgently reverse the decision to prevent girls attending secondary school“.

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