Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I am gravely concerned by the situation in Afghanistan, which is now one of worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Over half of the population are facing acute food insecurity.

In response, the Government through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Irish Aid, has provided €3 million in humanitarian support for the people of Afghanistan since mid-August, bringing Ireland's total funding so far this year to over €4 million. This funding has been allocated to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) and UNICEF, as well as Concern Worldwide and HALO Trust.

This funding is helping address the urgent needs of the population, including providing food aid and other essential services.

In addition, Ireland contributes to global funds and core funding to key agencies that allocate funding to Afghanistan, including the EU, WHO, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland is the 9th largest donor to the CERF in 2021, providing €10 million. In September, the CERF allocated €38.25 million to Afghanistan.

Ireland will continue to engage, including at the UN Security Council, to support an inclusive peace in Afghanistan – the only sustainable path to alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people. Ireland has also called for full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to allow life-saving support to reach all Afghans, including to respond to the urgent needs of families forced to flee their homes.