US freezes aid
The U.S. State Department on Friday announced that all existing foreign aid would be subject to a “work order” after President Donald Trump ordered a pause to consider whether aid allocations were in line with his foreign policy, according to a cable reported by Reuters. The government issued a “stop” order and suspended new aid. .
It was not immediately clear how that would affect humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, but in 2024 the United States, the largest donor, provided more than 40% of the funding.
“I think any potential reduction in aid to Afghanistan, whether it’s aid to WFP or to other actors, is of course a concern,” Lee said.
“Here in Afghanistan, the level of need is very high. I strongly hope that any decisions and implementation of decisions will take into account the needs of people, such as women and children.” she said.
Western diplomats and humanitarian officials say the decline in aid to Afghanistan is due in part to global emergencies in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza, and concerns about Taliban restrictions on women. Ta.
Last week, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court announced that they had applied for arrest warrants for two Taliban leaders, including Supreme Spiritual Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada.
Ms Lee said the past three years had been a “roller coaster” operating environment, but WFP was still delivering aid to women beneficiaries and their children, despite donors concerned about too many restrictions on women. He said he was trying to prove that.
The Taliban insists that Afghan women NGO workers should stop working, but many humanitarian groups say they are granted exemptions, particularly in areas such as health.
Ms Lee said that despite funding cuts and public restrictions, WFP was able to adapt and reach out to women.
