The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Australian government has announced an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan, citing a worsening humanitarian situation and urgent needs across the country.
In a joint media release issued Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026,
Australia said the new funding brings its total humanitarian support for
Afghanistan to $310 million since the fall of Kabul in 2021.
The statement said Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s
most severe and prolonged humanitarian crises, with nearly 22 million people in
urgent need of assistance. The crisis has been exacerbated by the Taliban’s
failure to meet basic needs, the release said.
Australia also pointed to the Taliban’s restrictions on
women and girls, including limits on access to employment, health care,
education and public life, saying these measures have left women and girls
disproportionately affected by the crisis.
According to the release, Australia’s humanitarian
assistance will prioritize support for women and girls, with a focus on food
security, health services, and the protection of dignity, safety and rights.
The Australian government said the aid will be delivered
through established United Nations partners to ensure assistance reaches people
in need and not the Taliban. Implementing agencies include the World Food
Programme and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’
Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in
Afghanistan remains dire and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting
the Afghan people, particularly women and girls. International Development
Minister Anne Aly said the funding will help address urgent humanitarian needs
and support vulnerable communities across the country.
