Guterres Calls on US to Exempt Development and Humanitarian Funds from Aid ‘Pause’
January 27, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed to the United States to exempt development and humanitarian funding from the recently announced aid suspension.
On January 25th, the United States announced a “temporary pause” on foreign assistance to Afghanistan in response to the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights. The suspension affects all aid except for humanitarian assistance focused on basic needs.
However, Guterres stressed that development and humanitarian funds are equally essential for supporting the Afghan people.
“Development assistance is not only about building infrastructure,” Guterres said. “It is also about investing in education, healthcare, and empowering women and girls. These are essential investments in the future of Afghanistan.”
He added that humanitarian assistance alone cannot address the underlying causes of the crisis in Afghanistan.
“We need to support the Afghan people in building a more stable, prosperous, and inclusive society,” Guterres said. “This requires a comprehensive approach that includes both development and humanitarian assistance.”
Guterres also expressed concern that the aid pause could have a negative impact on the United Nations’ ability to carry out its mandate in Afghanistan. Many UN programs rely on US funding, and a reduction in funding could hamper the organization’s ability to provide vital services to the Afghan people.
The United States is the largest donor to Afghanistan, providing over $1 billion in assistance in 2023. The aid pause is expected to have a significant impact on the country, which is already facing a severe economic crisis.
The Taliban has defended its policies, arguing that they are necessary to protect Afghan culture and values. However, the restrictions on women and girls have been widely condemned by the international community.
The United States has said that it will continue to engage with the Taliban and other Afghan stakeholders to address the concerns that led to the aid pause. However, it is unclear when the suspension will be lifted.
Guterres’ appeal highlights the importance of maintaining a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan. While humanitarian assistance is essential for meeting immediate needs, development assistance is equally important for building a sustainable future for the country. It remains to be seen whether the United States will respond to Guterres’ call and exempt development and humanitarian funds from the aid ‘pause’.
Guterres calls on US to exempt development and humanitarian funds from aid ‘pause’
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