The United States has committed over $885mn in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan for the fiscal year 2024, aimed at supporting the nation’s pressing humanitarian and economic challenges. This aid commitment was reported by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), highlighting substantial allocations through multiple U.S. agencies.
A significant portion of the aid, over $534mn, has been directed by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to various United Nations agencies involved in relief efforts. Within this allocation, $280mn has been earmarked for the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP), with funds designated for food assistance initiatives. These include cash transfers, vouchers, and logistical support to address Afghanistan’s acute food insecurity.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) has extended its partnerships with agencies including the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the fourth quarter of 2024, PRM committed an additional $93mn to humanitarian projects led by the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), and UNHCR, specifically targeting Afghan refugees, returnees, and other vulnerable groups within Afghanistan.
USAID has also focused on long-term support initiatives. Between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, nearly $839mn has been directed from the Economic Support Fund and Global Health Programs account to finance 40 active projects in Afghanistan. In the last quarter of 2024 alone, $200mn was committed to bolster economic development and healthcare programs. Notable new initiatives include projects like Countering Trafficking in Persons, Women and Men in Agriculture, and the Afghanistan Integrated Youth Activity.
In addition to the recent aid commitments, in 2022, the U.S. transferred $3.5bn in frozen Afghan central bank assets to a trust based in Switzerland, known as the Fund for the Afghan People. Although no funds have been disbursed from this trust to date, its objectives are to maintain Afghanistan’s macroeconomic stability, keep the country current on international debt payments, and potentially support critical imports. If conditions allow, the fund could also be used to recapitalize Afghanistan’s central bank.
As of June 28, 2024, the balance of the fund was reported at $3.84bn, including accrued interest. SIGAR’s report indicated that no updates were available on the balance for the latest quarter. This fund, along with the recently allocated aid, forms a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to address the humanitarian needs and economic challenges facing Afghanistan amid ongoing instability.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)