KABUL – In a strong demonstration of solidarity with the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, Ireland has committed €4 million in humanitarian aid to support critical crisis response efforts in Afghanistan. The announcement, coinciding with International Women’s Day, underscores Ireland's continued concern over the dire situation in the country.

The funding will be strategically allocated through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Afghanistan Refugee Situation Regional Response. This dual approach aims to address both the immediate needs of those within Afghanistan and the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in neighboring countries.

Simon Harris, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "Ireland remains deeply concerned about Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian and protection crises, particularly the disproportionate impact of Taliban-imposed restrictions on women and girls," he stated. This latest contribution brings Ireland’s total humanitarian support for Afghanistan to over €20 million since 2020, reflecting a sustained commitment to the Afghan people.

Harris strongly condemned the Taliban’s exclusionary policies, which have severely restricted women's access to education, employment, and public life. He called on the Taliban to reverse these policies, asserting, “We will continue to advocate for the full, equal, and safe participation of women and girls in all spheres of life and work with international partners to keep global attention on their plight.”

Afghanistan remains one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 22.9 million people in urgent need of assistance. Decades of conflict, compounded by natural disasters, climate shocks, and a severe economic collapse, have created a complex and devastating situation. The Taliban's takeover in August 2021 further exacerbated these challenges, leading to widespread displacement and increased vulnerability.

Neale Richmond, Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the crisis. “These overlapping crises have worsened food insecurity, limited education and job opportunities, and pushed more Afghans to seek refuge abroad,” he said. The funding allocated to UNHCR will specifically support Afghan refugees, including women and girls seeking educational opportunities in neighboring states, acknowledging the regional impact of the crisis.

The Irish government's commitment comes at a crucial time, as international aid agencies struggle to maintain operations in Afghanistan amid funding shortfalls and operational challenges. The focus on supporting women and girls reflects a broader international effort to ensure their rights and dignity are protected in the face of severe restrictions. This assistance aims to provide essential support, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education, to those most affected by the crisis.

Ireland's continued support for Afghanistan serves as a reminder of the international community's responsibility to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and advocate for the rights of all Afghans, particularly women and girls.