Taliban Interference in Aid Efforts; 34 Humanitarian Workers Detained and 56 Projects Delayed

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the Taliban have detained 34 aid workers, with 15 of them still in custody. According to OCHA, 56 projects have also been delayed due to the Taliban’s interference in humanitarian efforts.

In a report published on Tuesday, February 18, it was stated that in January, the Taliban detained 25 men and 9 women, marking a 161% increase in detentions compared to the previous month. OCHA also mentioned that most of these detentions were carried out by the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

According to OCHA, of the 43 humanitarian workers detained, 15 are still in Taliban custody since February. The office also warned that the detention of aid workers negatively impacts the operational environment and threatens the security and safety of humanitarian staff.

The report noted that in January, 127 incidents related to Taliban interference in humanitarian activities were reported, 83% of which were carried out by the Taliban. The main reasons for these interventions are still related to interference in humanitarian activities, requests for sensitive information from staff, restrictions on women’s participation, and delays in signing memorandums of understanding.

OCHA added that the Taliban’s interference in humanitarian affairs has led to the suspension of 56 aid projects, some of which have been delayed from one to 30 days. These delays have had a severe impact on people in need.

According to OCHA, it is projected that by 2025, 22.9 million people in Afghanistan will need humanitarian assistance, requiring a budget of $2.24 billion to meet these needs.