Minister Brophy announces €2 million to respond to growing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan

Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, T.D., today announced an additional €2 million of Irish Aid support for the people of Afghanistan who are experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis.
Announcing the funding, Minister Brophy said:
‘‘I am deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The country is facing a deadly combination of conflict, disease, drought and hunger. Over 18 million people – almost half the population- are in need of humanitarian assistance. One in three Afghans is facing crisis levels of food insecurity and more than half of all children under-five are at risk of acute malnutrition. To respond to this crisis, I have allocated €2 million in additional Irish Aid support’’.
Minister Brophy added:
“The unfolding crisis in Afghanistan has placed extraordinary pressure on humanitarian actors. We thank and applaud the commitment of humanitarians to stay and deliver under the most difficult of circumstances. Funding from Ireland will support them to provide assistance to the most vulnerable’’.
‘’Their work has never been more vital. Humanitarians – male and female – must be protected and supported as they deliver life-saving assistance. Ireland will continue to advocate for unimpeded and safe humanitarian access’’.
The funding will support the vital work of UNICEF and the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund. UNICEF is working to improve the educational, health and nutritional status of affected children, with a particular focus on girls. The UN managed Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund supports NGOs and other humanitarian partners on the ground to provide life-saving assistance such as food, shelter and protection to the most vulnerable women, men and children.