In a recently released report, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) revealed that Afghanistan has received millions of dollars in cash shipments over the past three months. Each shipment, worth an average of $80 million, is delivered to Kabul within 10 to 14 days, with the funds kept in private banks under the UN’s accounts. However, despite these financial inflows, a new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) indicates that 69 percent of Afghans lack access to sufficient resources for their basic needs.
The SIGAR report stated, The State Department told SIGAR last quarter that UN cash shipments–averaging $80 million each–arrive in Kabul every 10-14 days. According to UNAMA, all cash is placed in designated UN accounts in private banks; no cash is deposited in central banks or provided to the Taliban.
Afghanistan’s economy has faced a severe contraction of 27 percent since 2020, leaving 7 out of 10 Afghans unable to meet their basic necessities, including food, healthcare, and work. Yet, according to the Taliban, the aid money delivered through the UN is allocated towards education, health, and development projects. The Taliban claims to focus on evaluating the progress of aid organizations’ activities rather than benefitting financially from the aid.
Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis, economic analysts argue that international support is essential for Afghanistan’s fiscal stability and economic growth. However, the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 have led to a worsened humanitarian situation. The rise in food costs due to the Ukraine crisis has made essential items unaffordable for many.
Despite a relative decline in sectarian conflict, human rights violations against women and minorities persist. Women and girls in Afghanistan continue to face discrimination, limited access to education, work opportunities, public participation, and healthcare.
The news sheds light on the challenges faced by the Afghan economy and the dire conditions experienced by the Afghan people. The international community’s ongoing support is critical to addressing these issues and fostering stability and growth in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s economy has shrunk by 27 percent, with 7 out of 10 Afghans unable to fulfill their basic needs. Even though millions of dollars are being transported to Kabul every two weeks, the majority of the population lacks access to sufficient resources. While the Taliban insists that the aid money is directed towards education, health, and development projects, the dire situation on the ground calls for sustained international support and assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.
