Norwegian Refugee Council: Aid Cuts Will Put Millions of Afghans at Risk
Tawazun- The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has warned that a significant reduction in humanitarian aid will limit the presence of relief organizations in Afghanistan and put millions of lives at greater risk, particularly women and children.
Suzy van Meegen, NRC’s country director in Afghanistan, said that at a time when men, women, and children in Afghanistan desperately need emergency financial assistance and international support, NRC and its partners are facing a severe shortage of essential funding. She stated that this situation is forcing them to drastically scale back services, putting the most vulnerable communities in Afghanistan at risk.
She further explained that like other humanitarian organizations, the NRC has been compelled to shut down offices in several provinces and lay off a significant number of experienced aid workers, particularly women. The lack of financial resources has widespread negative consequences, affecting two key groups: first, the communities that no longer have access to food and healthcare, and second, skilled Afghan humanitarian workers who are losing their jobs and livelihoods.
The NRC revealed that since January, it has been forced to close two community service centers, and without sufficient funding, two more could shut down. These centers play a crucial role in providing shelter, food, legal support, and healthcare services to displaced Afghans and returnees, particularly women who are the sole providers for their families.
The organization also stressed that the shortage of female aid workers in Afghanistan further complicates access to essential assistance for women and children.
