In a bold move to address one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian disasters, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced an additional AU$50 million in aid for Afghanistan on Wednesday. Speaking from Canberra, Wong highlighted the dire situation where 22 million people—nearly half the population—require urgent assistance amid Taliban rule.
The funding, channeled through trusted UN partners like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), aims to deliver food security, healthcare, and protection services. Wong sharply condemned the Taliban’s systematic oppression of women and girls, including bans on employment, education, and public participation, which violate the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
‘Australia stands with international partners to pursue legal action against these violations,’ Wong stated on social media platform X. She emphasized that the Taliban’s failure to meet basic needs has exacerbated the crisis, leaving families unable to afford food—over 90% struggle daily, per WFP data.
Jointly with International Development Minister Anne Aly, Wong underscored that aid prioritizes women and girls, who bear the brunt of restrictions. This support will save lives, alleviate suffering, and safeguard dignity in a nation grappling with economic collapse, drought, and child malnutrition rates affecting 3.7 million kids annually, as reported by UNICEF.
Australia’s commitment reflects a global call to ensure aid reaches those in need without compromising principles. As the situation worsens, this infusion could be a lifeline, but sustained international pressure on the Taliban remains crucial for long-term relief.
