The U.S. has announced it will provide $114 million in humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, bringing the overall total of aid contributed in 2021 to nearly $474 million.
"Our enduring commitment to the people of Afghanistan is certain," the U.S. State Department said in a statement. "We will work vigorously to support all persons in vulnerable situations, including — but not limited to — women, children, journalists, human rights defenders, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals and members of minority groups."
The assistance is directly provided to such humanitarian organizations as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. says it will be working with each of these organizations to facilitate life-saving efforts in Afghanistan.
More than 18 million people remain in Afghanistan. The funding seeks to aid such areas as lifesaving protection, food security support, essential health care, winterization assistance, logistics, and emergency food aid. The Biden administration has received criticism for its perceived bungled Afghanistan pullout that left a dire situation in the nation.
U.S. officials also vowed in the statement to hold the Taliban accountable for the prior commitments they have made to the people of the region..
