According to reports, the U.S. Department of State has decided to suspend its aid to Afghanistan. The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan, while expressing gratitude for the continued support of the American people for the people of Afghanistan, considers the suspension of aid by the U.S. government after the transfer of power to the Taliban as an injustice to the Afghan people, and emphasizes the continuation of aid through a clear and mutually agreed-upon mechanism.
Since the Taliban took control, the living conditions of the Afghan people have faced serious and numerous challenges. Alongside social and cultural restrictions, killings, looting of people’s property and assets, increased migration, and economic crisis have had deep impacts on society and have, in many ways, paralyzed the lives of the people.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance, while calling for the continuation of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, believes that providing assistance to nearly 23 million vulnerable and needy individuals is a human and moral responsibility of the international community to alleviate human suffering, restore hope to those affected, and uphold human dignity. The suspension of aid to the people of Afghanistan could exacerbate famine and crisis. Therefore, the Council calls for the establishment of a transparent, accountable, and collaborative framework and mechanism for advancing aid and development efforts, to enhance the effectiveness of assistance and prevent any deviation from its original purpose and the enrichment or strengthening of terrorist groups—especially the extremist Taliban group with its terrorist agenda.
While cutting off aid can lead to increased hunger, mortality, and deadly illegal migration, distributing aid without a clear framework can also be exploited by terrorist groups and lead to their further empowerment.
As a broad political umbrella and representative of a significant portion of Afghan society, the Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan calls for the continuation of humanitarian aid under the current difficult economic and social conditions, and emphasizes transparency and justice in the distribution process.