Ireland contributes $3.44 million to UN humanitarian fund for Afghanistan

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Ireland has contributed $3.44 million to the UN-managed humanitarian fund for Afghanistan to support emergency assistance across the country. OCHA said the funding would strengthen humanitarian operations and help vulnerable communities facing worsening economic and humanitarian conditions. Ireland has previously pledged 4 million euros in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan, with a focus on supporting women, girls and at-risk communities. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme said in a recent report that although prices of some food items have slightly declined in Afghanistan, families continue to face weak purchasing power and limited job opportunities. According to the report, wheat prices fell by 1.7 percent during the third week of May, while prices of rice, cooking oil, sugar and bread also declined slightly. However, the agency said many essential goods remain significantly more expensive than a year ago, with first-grade rice prices rising 38 percent, second-grade rice 28 percent and sugar 27 percent compared with the same period last year. Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of people dependent on international aid following years of conflict, economic collapse and natural disasters. International organizations have repeatedly warned that restrictions on women’s employment and education under the Taliban have worsened poverty levels and limited humanitarian and economic recovery efforts across the country. The post Ireland contributes $3.44 million to UN humanitarian fund for Afghanistan appeared first on Khaama Press.