Solidarity with Civilians Facing the Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
The Alliance for Empowering Partnerships (A4EP) expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which continues to affect civilian populations, local civil society organisations, and humanitarian actors severely. Widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, limited health and protection services, and ongoing displacement have left millions vulnerable, while access to aid remains constrained. Women and girls, however, are bearing the heaviest burden of this crisis. Their access to essential services is further restricted, compounding already dire conditions and deepening their vulnerability. These overlapping challenges are placing them at heightened risk while limiting their ability to seek safety, support, and assistance.
The escalating hardships demand urgent and targeted attention to the safety, security, and well-being of women and girls, who continue to face the greatest risks without adequate protection or support. A4EP stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly the civilians and humanitarian actors who continue working under extremely challenging circumstances to support at-risk and crisis-affected communities.
We affirm the importance of safeguarding civilians, humanitarian personnel, and critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, WASH facilities, electricity, and other essential services. The protection of civilians, adherence to International Humanitarian Law, and respect for Human Rights Law must remain central priorities. A4EP advocates for equitable humanitarian partnerships and stronger recognition of frontline actors. Independent civil society organisations play a crucial role in documenting humanitarian needs, delivering essential aid, and advocating for sustainable solutions. Ensuring these organisations can operate safely and effectively is critical to crisis response and community resilience.
Localisation must move beyond pledges to concrete action. This includes increasing direct, flexible funding to local and national actors, guaranteeing their meaningful participation in decision‑making, and enabling an operational environment where national organisations can lead response efforts in line with global localisation commitments. This is a critical time to demonstrate the efficacy of Humanitarian Reset.
In the face of this protracted crisis, A4EP calls on the international community and humanitarian agencies to intensify localised efforts to mitigate suffering, protect civilian lives and infrastructure, and ensure that adequate and timely assistance reaches those most in need. In Afghanistan, these operational challenges with regard to access to administration and finances are further compounded, which impedes timely humanitarian delivery.
We further urge global political leaders and institutions to prioritise dialogue, restraint, and the preservation of human life over escalation. The United Nations and its relevant mechanisms must intensify diplomatic engagement, facilitate accountability, and ensure civilian protection, keeping Humanitarian Principles and International Law at the Centre of all efforts.
We also call on humanitarian institutions to strengthen their duty of care for frontline workers, in line with the Charter of Rights, to address the psychological toll and moral injury they face while supporting communities during crises. Support for humanitarian staff and their families must be prioritised. The A4EP Members reiterate their solidarity with local populations, civil society, and humanitarian actors in Afghanistan. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of at-risk populations and local and national actors, while promoting collective action toward peace, human dignity, and a more just and equitable humanitarian system.
Please download full report click here
Alliance for Empowering Partnerships (A4EP)
With inputs from Union Aid and Citizen’s Organization for Advocacy and Resilience (COAR) – Convenor for the Afghanistan Localisation Lab
