France to Release $118 Million in Aid for Afghanistan

In a step intended to provide sufficient aid for Afghan people and alleviate poverty in the afflicted nation, France has decided to contribute 100 million euros ($118 million) for emergency humanitarian work in Afghanistan following a UN flash appeal.

During a conference held by the world ministers and International institutions on 13 August, France, and other countries pledged approximately $600  million in support of the afflicted country.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in Geneva on Monday, “Half of the (Afghan) population is now at risk, including more than four million women and around 10 million children. It is our responsibility to be at their side in this new ordeal.” 

"We will also have to provide sufficient funding for Afghanistan's neighboring countries that receive a great number of refugees," Le Drian added.

The French official said that "France promised 100 million euros to tackle this emergency situation."

The conference, hosted by UN chief Antonio Guterres, came just under a month after the Taliban swept into power, ending the sovereignty of the United States and its allies after 20 years in the country.

The U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Martin Griffiths, has promised to maintain assistance to the people of Afghanistan, according to international reports.

Last week, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) called for urgent and sustained international action to control the recent conflict, drought, and pandemic, which have made 18 million Afghans more vulnerable and in need of humanitarian aid.

Nearly 18 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian assistance as severe drought compounds hardships caused by years of conflict and the pandemic.

Furthermore, tens of thousands of families have been evacuated from their homes, seeking food and shelter in urban areas where some are staying in relief camps without food or income, IFRC said.

Lately, the United Nations’ leader has previously indicated that the UN will provide aid to millions of Afghans facing the impending fall of the country to Taliban insurgents.