The Scottish Government has announced new humanitarian funding for Afghanistan in response to two major earthquakes that struck the country earlier this year,
deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.
A total of £250,000 will be provided through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF), with £125,000 allocated to each of two international charities, Christian Aid and Tearfund. The funding is intended to support communities hardest hit by the earthquakes, many of whom are now facing extreme hardship as winter conditions set in.
The charities will use the funding to deliver immediate, life-saving assistance, including cash support, warm blankets, winter clothing, and hygiene kits for families living in earthquake-affected areas. These supplies are aimed at helping vulnerable households cope with freezing temperatures and limited access to basic services.
In addition to meeting urgent physical needs, the funding will also support psychological care for people traumatised by the disasters. Many survivors have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, and face ongoing uncertainty amid widespread poverty and displacement.
The Scottish Government said the support reflects Scotland’s continued commitment to responding to international humanitarian emergencies and standing in solidarity with communities affected by conflict and natural disasters. By working through established humanitarian partners, the funding is expected to reach those most in need quickly and effectively.
Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most fragile humanitarian contexts, with millions already reliant on aid. The earthquakes have further strained local coping mechanisms, making international assistance critical as affected communities attempt to rebuild and survive the winter months.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said:
“The earthquakes struck at a time when Afghanistan was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by prolonged economic downturn and shrinking international assistance. They caused severe loss of life and entire villages were destroyed. The humanitarian situation is dire and evolving rapidly.
“To lose everything is unimaginable for us, but for those in Afghanistan it is real life. With a harsh winter season approaching I am pleased that we can deliver this money to help the two charities deliver life-saving assistance, in ways that are dignified and locally rooted.”
Head of Christian Aid Scotland, Val Brown, said:
“Women and children are bearing the brunt of Afghanistan’s overlapping crises, made worse by the recent earthquake in Kunar province. As winter approaches, the risk of illness, trauma, acute hunger and further displacement is growing.
“Thanks to the support from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, Christian Aid will be able to support some of the most vulnerable households in Nurgal and Chawkay district. Our partner, NGO Afghans 4 Tomorrow, will deliver cash assistance, the provision of essential winter items, hygiene kits and psychosocial care.
“Our community-led approach will help the health and wellbeing of thousands of people, restore dignity, and enable people to make choices that are right for them.”
Tearfund Afghanistan Country Manager, Solomon Cornelius, said:
“Families affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan are facing an exceptionally harsh winter. Many are still living in tents or damaged shelters, with little income and few ways to meet even their most basic needs. This funding from the Scottish Government comes at a critical time. It will enable Tearfund, working with our trusted local partner, to provide life-saving cash assistance, winter survival kits such as blankets, tarpaulins, and hygiene items for families most in need. We will also equip local staff with training in Psychological First Aid, helping women, children, and people with disabilities to stay warm, meet their essential needs with dignity, and begin to recover from the crisis and trauma they have experienced.” Photo by Sgt. Kimberly Lamb (U.S. Armed Forces), Wikimedia commons.