56 Humanitarian projects suspended due to Taliban interference

Feb 20, 2025 - 18:41
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56 Humanitarian projects suspended due to Taliban interference
Photo: OCHA

As unemployment, poverty, and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan worsen, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that 56 humanitarian projects have been suspended in the past month due to Taliban interference.

In its January 2024 report, OCHA stated that Taliban intervention and restrictions on aid agencies' access to vulnerable populations have directly led to the suspension of these projects. The report notes that these disruptions have lasted anywhere from one to 30 days, with 48% of the projects still on hold.

The organization emphasized that such interference significantly hinders access to humanitarian aid for those in desperate need.

Types of Taliban Interference in Aid Efforts

According to OCHA, Taliban intervention in humanitarian projects has taken multiple forms, including:

  • 40 cases of interference in project planning
  • 25 cases of demands for staff lists and sensitive data
  • 13 cases of restrictions on women's participation in aid delivery
  • 1 case of interference in the selection of beneficiaries
  • 1 case of obstruction in procurement processes

This is not the first time that OCHA and other international organizations have raised concerns about Taliban interference in aid operations.

Afghanistan's Economic Struggles Continue

At the same time, the World Bank recently released a report highlighting Afghanistan’s weak economic growth and widespread poverty and unemployment affecting millions.

The report attributes Afghanistan’s economic instability to unclear policies, financial isolation, reduced foreign aid, and strained trade relations with Pakistan.

Key findings from the World Bank’s 2023 report include:

  • A 54% increase in Afghanistan’s trade deficit
  • A 5% decline in exports

Impact of Aid Cuts and Taliban Rule on Afghanistan

Since the Taliban’s return to power, most development projects in Afghanistan have been suspended. Additionally, nearly 50 international organizations have halted their operations due to U.S. aid cuts and restrictions imposed by the Taliban.

Experts warn that Afghanistan's economic crisis is deepening, making it even harder for the Taliban’s interim government to address the country’s growing financial challenges