Humanitarian Aid Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Suspension

The recent decision by the U.S. administration to pause foreign aid for 90 days has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations operating in Afghanistan. Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the suspension as “disastrous” for Afghanistan, where over 23 million people—more than half the population—rely on humanitarian assistance.

The suspension’s impact on humanitarian aid remains unclear, but organizations fear that any reduction in assistance could exacerbate the already dire situation in Afghanistan. The country has been grappling with the aftermath of decades of conflict, economic collapse, and recent natural disasters, leaving millions in need of urgent support.

Egeland emphasized the catastrophic consequences of the aid suspension, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children. He urged the international community to maintain support for Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs, regardless of political considerations.