From Relief to Resilience: Sustaining international support for for the people of Afghanistan

Bond Afghanistan Working Group statement

Five years since the change in government in Afghanistan, millions of Afghans remain trapped in a cycle of crisis, displacement and vulnerability. While humanitarian assistance has prevented far worse outcomes, emergency aid alone cannot provide a sustainable future. UK-based NGOs, working alongside Afghan organisations and communities, are supporting locally led responses that address immediate needs while strengthening resilience and recovery over the longer term. 

Since the change in government in 2021, humanitarian needs in Afghanistan have remained acute, with approximately 21.9 million people – close to half of Afghanistan’s population – requiring assistance, and rapidly increasing rates of child malnutrition. In addition, the return of 6 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan since mid-September 2023 has increased the population by approximately 12%. This has put unprecedented strain on an already overstretched humanitarian response and has further depleted the resilience of vulnerable communities facing a rapidly changing climate.  

Women and girls continue to face some of the greatest barriers to accessing services, livelihoods and opportunities in Afghanistan. Sustained international support remains essential to address worsening health and nutrition needs, maintain access to basic services, and support the organisations working directly with women and girls in affected communities. At a time when women and girls face severe restrictions on their rights and opportunities, they should not also bear the consequences of declining international assistance and reduced economic opportunities resulting from international isolation. Afghan organisations, including women-led organisations, remain central to delivering effective, locally led responses and building the foundations for long-term resilience. 

Humanitarian assistance remains critical, and since 2021 the humanitarian response has been a lifeline for millions of Afghans; it has helped avert widespread famine, delivered essential services and supported communities facing extreme hardships. This is despite the challenging operating environment, demonstrating the ability of humanitarians to navigate a complex situation. However, as the crisis evolves, it is clear that humanitarian assistance alone cannot provide a sustainable response to Afghanistan’s challenges, and there is an increasing need for practical ways to support recovery, livelihoods and essential services that benefit the Afghan people, while working within the constraints of the current context.  

After nearly five years of large-scale humanitarian programming, meeting exponentially increasing needs through emergency assistance is neither cost-effective nor sustainable. Alongside continued humanitarian support, UK NGO members of the Bond Afghanistan Working Group (BAWG) are prioritising programmes that strengthen livelihoods, basic services, climate resilience and local capacity, reflecting the need to reduce long-term vulnerability and strengthen community resilience. 

The UK Government’s commitment of approximately £315 million until 2029 provides an important foundation for continued support to the Afghan people, and reflects the UK’s commitment to building the resilience of vulnerable communities and families in fragile contexts. However, efforts to enable recovery have also been complicated by Afghanistan’s isolation from many international institutions and systems that support economic recovery and development, alongside the constraints of operating in a context where international engagement remains limited. 

The experience of the past five years demonstrates both the scale of continuing needs in Afghanistan and the ability of Afghan organisations, communities and their international partners to deliver effective support in a highly challenging context. BAWG members remain committed to working alongside Afghan partners to meet immediate needs, while supporting resilience and recovery. Continued international engagement will be essential to ensuring vulnerable Afghans are not left to a worsening crisis. 

Notes to Editors: 

1. This statement is issued in consultation with Bond Afghanistan Working Group (BAWG) members. 

2. Bond Afghanistan Working Group (BAWG) is a network of approximately 30 UK-based NGOs working in and for Afghanistan. BAWG members work to strengthen coordination, share analysis and advocate for effective, principled humanitarian and development responses. The group engages with the UK Government, donors and other stakeholders to help ensure that the needs and rights of the Afghan people remain a priority on the international agenda.