The World Food Programme can only assist half of the 15 million Afghans in need due to international aid cuts and a potential U.S. funding freeze. Many are resorting to diets of just “bread and tea.” Donor concerns about Taliban restrictions on women complicate the humanitarian efforts, which have been inadequately funded, leading to alarming food insecurity.
The World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan is currently able to assist only half of the millions of Afghans in need due to significant cuts in international aid, compounded by a potential freeze on U.S. foreign funding. According to Hsiao-Wei Lee, WFP Country Director, many individuals are struggling to survive on merely “bread and tea.” Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has faced a severe economic crisis, with humanitarian aid through non-profit organizations becoming crucial to meet urgent needs, despite ongoing cuts from donors.
Humanitarian operations in Afghanistan are hampered as the situation worsens, particularly amidst restrictions imposed by the Taliban on female NGO employees, leading to decreased donor confidence. Lee highlighted that approximately 15 million Afghans are in dire need of food assistance, yet funding cuts have left about 6 million people with only one or two meals a day.
The U.N. reports that Afghanistan’s humanitarian plan for 2024 is inadequately funded, with only slightly over half of the required funding secured. The U.S. State Department’s recent “stop-work” order on foreign assistance could further compromise efforts to support Afghanistan, where U.S. aid is critical, constituting over 40% of the country’s humanitarian funding. Lee expressed concern regarding any potential decrease in assistance, emphasizing the elevated needs of the population, especially among women and children.
The dwindling aid to Afghanistan is partially attributed to ongoing global emergencies in other regions, including Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza, alongside apprehension surrounding the Taliban regime’s policies. International action has also been prompted, as the International Criminal Court recently sought arrest warrants for Taliban leaders regarding the persecution of women and girls.
Despite the challenging operating environment over the past three years, the WFP has endeavored to reach female beneficiaries and their families with aid. While the Taliban’s restrictions on female NGO workers persist, many humanitarian organizations claim exemptions, particularly in health-related areas. Lee stated that the WFP has adapted to continue delivering essential assistance to women in need despite financial constraints and regulatory challenges.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has escalated since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, leading to significant economic challenges. The cessation of international aid and the freezing of development assistance has left millions of Afghans vulnerable to food insecurity. In this context, the World Food Programme’s operations are crucial, yet they are severely impacted by funding cuts and restrictive policies imposed by the Taliban, particularly regarding women’s employment.
The food crisis in Afghanistan is deepening as international aid declines, leaving many individuals restricted to basic diets. The WFP highlights the need for continued support to address the severe hunger faced by millions. International concerns about the Taliban’s restrictions on women further complicate humanitarian efforts, despite the adaptations made by organizations like the WFP. It is imperative for the global community to reassess aid strategies to adequately support the population’s pressing needs.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
