Action against Hunger temporarily suspends its non-vital activities in Afghanistan

Action Against Hunger deeply regrets the decision announced by the Afghan authorities to ban women from working in humanitarian organizations.

Action Against Hunger recalls that its programs target principally children under the age of 5 and women who are pregnant or of childbearing age. The decision of the authorities, in the context and respect of the cultural codes in force in Afghanistan, is an obstacle to the continuation of our activities.

This decision is therefore incomprehensible because it penalizes fragile populations, particularly affected by the food insecurity that prevails in the country today.

Consequently, Action Against Hunger announces the temporary suspension of its activities in Afghanistan, as of December 25, with the exception of vital medical activities for children suffering from acute malnutrition.

Action Against Hunger reiterates its full commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as well as to the universal human rights standards by which our NGO intends to implement its mandate. 

Action Against Hunger continues to engage with the humanitarian community in Afghanistan in order to obtain from the Taliban authorities the immediate lifting of this measure, which endangers the lives of millions of people in the country.

This temporary suspension will be applied until the authorities’ position regarding the essential contribution of women to the humanitarian activities developed by Action Against Hunger in Afghanistan is confirmed.

Action Against Hunger has been working in Afghanistan since 1995 to improve access to health and nutrition services for the most vulnerable people in remote areas. Between January and July 2022, Action Against Hunger supported nearly 500,000 people through its mobile clinics and therapeutic feeding units in five provinces of the country: Kabul, Daykundi, Helmand, Ghor and Badakhshan. ACF employs nearly 1,000 staff in the country, including nearly 400 women.