OCHA Reports Severe Restrictions on Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan Amid Taliban Rule
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the Taliban has imposed 392 restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery in Afghanistan over the past three years, significantly hindering essential services for those in need, Afghanistan International reported yesterday.
In a recent report, OCHA highlighted that funding shortages further complicate aid efforts, with 3.7 million people lacking access to basic health and social services.
Notably, over 70 of these restrictions directly impact women’s roles in aid distribution, with nearly 100 new restrictions introduced in 2024, including mandates for hijab adherence and limitations on female employment. OCHA emphasized that the Taliban’s enforcement of strict moral laws has intensified these restrictions, reducing female participation in humanitarian activities.
The agency forecasts that in 2024, approximately 23.7 million people will require humanitarian assistance, with 17 million prioritized. However, only 31.4% of the requested budget of 3.06 billion euros has been funded. Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, Afghanistan has faced escalating humanitarian needs, particularly affecting women and children, who have been deprived of education and essential services amidst ongoing security and political challenges.
