The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Friday, 7 March, that $48.5 million has been allocated to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

According to OCHA, the funding comes from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) and the UN’s Emergency Fund, aimed at addressing the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan, stated that after decades of conflict, poverty, climate shocks, and escalating security threats, the Afghan people are now facing a decline in life-saving assistance.

Of the newly allocated aid, $19 million originates from the UN’s Emergency Fund, while the remaining $29.5 million comes from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.

Earlier, on Wednesday, 5 March, OCHA reported that at least $3.06 billion is required to meet Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs in 2025. However, 48% of the budget remains unfunded, raising concerns over the UN’s ability to sustain aid operations.

OCHA also warned that there are insufficient funds available to respond to sudden crises this year, heightening the risk for millions of vulnerable Afghans in need of urgent assistance.