Preventing a large-scale humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan through an immediate and robust international response is an imperative, stressed the EU and all stakeholders at the opening of the High-level Ministerial meeting by video conference, convened on Monday 13 September in Geneva by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to put the spotlight on acute humanitarian needs.
The UN is appealing is for $606 million to provide life-saving assistance to 11 million people. And another $300 million is needed for neighbouring countries, “including vaccines, especially in Iran”, said UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi.
Commitment, solidarity which is essential as winter approaches, free humanitarian access and respect for the principles of international humanitarian law, unity of response coordinated by the UN and aid flexibility were the key words.
“ In the face of enormous humanitarian needs, compounded by rapid economic collapse, the urgency is for an immediate response. We are determined to continue our assistance”, said the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič (see EUROPE 12782/4).
He recalled the EU’s commitment to mobilise more than €200 million in humanitarian aid for Afghans, refugees and their host communities in neighbouring countries (€57 million was planned before the current crisis) to fund health care, nutrition, food security, access to clean water and sanitation.
The EU also supporting a humanitarian corridor, protection of people and education, especially for women and children.
“The protection of humanitarian workers - including women - must be guaranteed”, the Commissioner added, stressing the need for coordination “to send clear messages to the Taliban”.
Further assistance will depend on the Taliban respecting free humanitarian access - one of the conditions set by the EU for operational engagement with them (see EUROPE 12783/1).
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely “, the European Commission spokesman for humanitarian aid, Balazs Ujvari, told reporters on Monday before the conference had started.
In Geneva, EU Member States made announcements. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, for example, vowed that his country will continue to increase its aid and show solidarity with Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, Iran and the Central Asian Republics. In addition to the €100 million in aid already mobilised, Germany “intends to mobilise a further €500 million for neighbouring countries”.
The French Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, announced €100 million in support of UN agencies (UNHCR, WFP). Denmark has pledged an additional $38 million ($80 million since the beginning of the year).
The US will provide $330 million in aid this year and is prepared to give more. “But the Taliban are interfering with the delivery of aid to prevent aid from reaching the women. This is frightening, unacceptable”, according to the US representative. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)