In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the EU has activated its emergency aid reserve to avoid a risk of famine in the country. This will bring the total EU response to nearly €150 million in humanitarian aid for this crisis in 2024.

This funding will support partners working inside Afghanistan (nearly €126 million) and responding to the need of Afghan refugees in Pakistan (over €11 million) and for humanitarian organisations in Iran (nearly 11 million), as well as strengthening disaster preparedness.

In Afghanistan, EU funding will continue to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable populations, notably in hard-to-reach communities. Aid will focus on food assistance, shelter, healthcare and access to water and sanitation. Up to €14.5 million are earmarked for Education in Emergencies, as 8 million children and adolescents need educational assistance, including 1.4 million girls that are excluded from accessing secondary school.