Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

219. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a detailed breakdown of the ways in which Ireland’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan is being allocated, particularly in relation to projects aimed at protecting women’s rights and promoting gender equality; the specific programmes which are being supported to counteract the Taliban’s systematic restrictions on women and girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62082/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has consistently condemned the gross and systematic human rights abuses by the Taliban across Afghanistan, particularly against women, girls and individuals from marginalised communities. When he addressed the UN General Assembly in September, the Taoiseach condemned the denial of the most fundamental rights of Afghanistan's women and girls.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, Ireland continues to play an active role in seeking to maintain EU and international attention on the appalling human rights situation in Afghanistan and, in particular, the unacceptable restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women and girls.

So far in 2025, Ireland has provided almost €5 million in humanitarian funding to respond to needs in Afghanistan and amongst Afghan refugees in the region, including the specific needs of women and girls. This comprises: €3 million to the UN Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF); €1 million to the UNHCR Regional Refugee Response for the Afghan Situation; €500,000 in support of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Afghanistan Earthquake Appeal; and €400,000 to Concern to support Internally Displaced Persons and host communities. Since January 2020, Ireland has provided over €20 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan through the Irish Aid programme

The Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) is a UN country-based pooled fund which directs humanitarian funding in Afghanistan to where needs are greatest. Supporting Afghan women and girls is an explicit part of the AHF's work, whether responding to the specific needs of women and girls or providing dedicated funding to women-led organisations. So far in 2025, the AHF has provided more than €4 million to seven such organisations in Afghanistan. It has also strengthened the role of women's organisations in the Fund's allocations and decision-making. Ireland is a member of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund Advisory Board for the 2025-2026 term.

It is a tribute to the unwavering courage and resilience of Afghan women that they continue to find ways to lead their own humanitarian response in the face of the attempts to push them out of public life. As they continue to navigate tightening constraints, Ireland remains committed to continuing to provide the AHF with quality, flexible funding, which allows women-led organisations to quickly adapt to the complex, volatile situation on the ground in Afghanistan.