Norway Announces $14 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan, Emphasizes Support for Women and Girls

The Norwegian government announced that it will provide 151 million kroner (approximately $14 million) in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. In a statement released on Tuesday, June 6, Norway emphasized that women and girls in Afghanistan are at risk and that contact with the Taliban is necessary to support them.

This financial assistance brings Norway’s total aid to Afghanistan in 2024 to 550 million kroner (around $52 million). The Norwegian government stressed that this aid will not directly reach the Taliban and will be distributed through international organizations.

Aspen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of continuing his country’s commitments to Afghanistan. He stated that engaging with the Taliban and clearly expressing opposition to their unacceptable treatment of women and girls is crucial for supporting those at risk. These humanitarian aid announcements come at a time when Norway recently hosted a meeting with representatives from civil society, women’s rights activists, and the Taliban—an action that critics have perceived as a sign of the country’s disregard for the Taliban’s policies.

According to UN estimates, nearly 23 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance as they suffer from a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Norway’s aid will be used to support education, health, migrants, and displaced persons through the Red Cross, United Nations, and other international relief organizations.