NRC scales back aid in Afghanistan amid funding shortages

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has suspended parts of its humanitarian operations in Afghanistan and closed several provincial offices due to a significant drop in international aid. The cuts are expected to impact millions of Afghans, particularly women and children who depend on essential services.

Suze van Meegen, NRC’s interim country director in Afghanistan, called the situation the most challenging the organization has faced in 22 years. “With key donors reducing funding, we are forced to make difficult decisions, further jeopardizing vital support for vulnerable communities,” she said.

Since January, NRC has shut down community resource centers, suspended programs, and laid off staff, including female aid workers, limiting access to critical services. Residents in affected areas report worsening conditions, with food, healthcare, and education assistance disappearing.

The funding shortfall follows reductions in global aid budgets by major donor countries, including the U.S., UK, and several European nations. According to the UN, nearly 23 million Afghans require humanitarian assistance, yet its 2025 response plan remains severely underfunded.