Calls for Sweden to Increase Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan Amid Global Reductions
Swedish organizations urge government action to boost humanitarian aid to Afghanistan as global support declines.
Key Points
- • Sweden urged to increase aid as the US and others cut support.
- • Afghans face severe poverty and lack essential services.
- • Aid reductions critically impact women and children in Afghanistan.
- • SAK proposes a plan for emergency relief and long-term support.
On May 25, 2025, the Swedish Afghan Committee (Svenska Afghanistankommittén, SAK) made a strong appeal for the Swedish government to enhance its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. This call comes as the United States and other nations significantly reduce their support, exacerbating dire conditions in the region. The committee highlighted that millions of Afghans are facing severe poverty and a lack of basic services, critical issues worsened by neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran forcing refugees back, which adds further strain to limited resources.
Currently, half of Afghanistan's population lacks access to essential services, a crisis deepened by climate change that leads to recurring natural disasters such as droughts and floods. The SAK pointed out that the ongoing international sanctions and the isolation of the Afghan government severely impact civilian lives, particularly women who are facing restrictions on education and public life participation, violations of their fundamental rights.
The committee noted that the decrease in aid, especially from the USA, has devastating repercussions for Afghan women and children, with the closure of hundreds of maternity health clinics directly affecting millions. SAK urges the Swedish government to rapidly devise a relief strategy and propose a long-term developmental plan to support Afghanistan while actively seeking to break the deadlock in relations with the Afghan administration.