OCHA: 245 Humanitarian Projects in Afghanistan Halted Due to Taliban Interference
- Zan News
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported in a recent update on the alarming state of humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, stating that in just the first six months of 2025, more than 245 humanitarian projects have been suspended or halted due to Taliban interference, gender-based restrictions, and administrative limitations.
According to OCHA, access to humanitarian aid across Afghanistan faces serious obstacles, especially for women, many of whom have been deprived of assistance. In several regions, essential services such as vaccination, psychological counseling, and social support have been completely suspended.
Based on the report, which was prepared in collaboration with NGOs and local organizations, 73 percent of suspensions were caused by the Taliban's restrictive policies on female employment, delays in signing agreements, and interference in beneficiary identification. Another 19 percent were directly linked to the prohibition of women's work, even when accompanied by a male guardian.
In parts of central, southern, and western Afghanistan, humanitarian missions have either been canceled or postponed. This comes at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with a widespread humanitarian crisis, and millions of people rely on food, health, and protection assistance.
OCHA also reported 59 security incidents targeting humanitarian agencies, including the arrest of at least 100 staff members (31 of them women), threats, verbal abuse, confiscation of equipment, and closure of offices.
OCHA has warned that if the current situation and gender-based pressures continue, there is a risk of a complete shutdown of humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. The agency has once again emphasized the need for non-political, impartial, and transparent engagement to deliver aid to the people, especially women and vulnerable groups.
While the Taliban claim they merely oversee the aid process, multiple UN reports point to their direct interference in staffing decisions, project management, and restrictions on women’s participation; a pattern that has seriously jeopardized access to life-saving aid for millions of women and children.
