euronews.com
Foreign Aid Cuts Cripple Afghan Refugee Support Amid Mass Returns and Earthquakes
The UN's ability to assist hundreds of thousands of returning Afghan refugees is severely hampered by sweeping foreign aid cuts, exacerbated by recent earthquakes and the Taliban's restrictions on women.
- How have recent foreign aid cuts impacted the UN's capacity to support returning Afghan refugees?
- The reduction of approximately $1.7 billion in US aid alone has forced around 50 international aid organizations to partly or fully suspend operations in Afghanistan. This significantly limits the UN's ability to provide crucial assistance to the influx of returning refugees, with only 20-30% of those meeting vulnerability criteria receiving aid, compared to almost 100% previously.
- What additional factors, beyond aid cuts, are compounding the challenges faced by Afghan returnees?
- A series of earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan has created further urgent needs, impacting aid distribution and adding to the already overstretched humanitarian response. The Taliban's restrictions on women's rights, particularly regarding education and work, present significant obstacles for female returnees, many of whom are educated and used to more open societies.
- What are the long-term implications of these combined challenges for Afghanistan and its returning refugees?
- The current crisis indicates a potential long-term humanitarian emergency, where the inability to meet basic needs like shelter, economic opportunities, and safety will likely lead to increased poverty, instability, and displacement. The restrictions on women's rights could also result in further societal challenges and impede Afghanistan's development.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by Afghan returnees due to aid cuts and other factors. While the negative impacts of aid cuts are emphasized, the article also presents the perspectives of aid organizations and the efforts being made to address the crisis. The headline is neutral and accurately reflects the article's content.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "sweeping cuts" and "forcibly expelled" are factual descriptions rather than emotionally charged language. The quotes from the IOM chief are direct and do not contain biased language.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including perspectives from the governments of Iran and Pakistan regarding their repatriation policies. Additionally, information on the specific types of aid being cut and the long-term consequences of these cuts could provide a more complete picture. However, given the article's length and focus, these omissions are not severely problematic.
Gender Bias
The article appropriately highlights the unique challenges faced by women returnees, such as restrictions on their rights and limited work opportunities. The inclusion of data on the proportion of women among returnees strengthens this aspect of the reporting. The article also mentions the UN's halting of assistance due to restrictions on female staff, showcasing the impact on both aid delivery and women's employment.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how sweeping cuts to foreign aid are negatively impacting vulnerable Afghan returnees, hindering their ability to rebuild their lives and escape poverty. Reduced aid prevents the provision of essential assistance like cash, shelter, and economic opportunities, exacerbating poverty and destitution among returnees. The quote "Aid cuts mean majority of returnees cannot be assisted" directly supports this.