Three Years Since Taliban Takeover, Afghanistan's Economic Recovery Must Be Prioritised

08 August 2024

Three years of Taliban rule and ongoing economic and political restrictions, including targeted sanctions, severely hamper the nation's economic recovery, worsening one of the world’s most severe and forgotten humanitarian crises. Half of the population now requires humanitarian aid and over a third face severe food insecurity. 

While sanctions and other policies towards de facto authorities in Afghanistan are intended to address human rights issues, and have clear exemptions for strictly ‘humanitarian’ work, they are undermining economic recovery. The international community must re-evaluate the combined impact of these policies on the people of Afghanistan. This means not only providing effective humanitarian assistance, but ensuring private-sector businesses, investors, and other development actors are able and willing to invest.

Dayne Curry, Mercy Corps Country Director for Afghanistan, says: 

“While it is understandable that international donors are focused on addressing the enormous, and growing, humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, this is futile if steps are not taken to address the broader economic collapse, which disproportionately harms everyday Afghans, especially women and children.”  

“The impact of economic and political restrictions, combined with dwindling international aid and unwillingness to invest in anything but immediate life-saving activities, is exacerbating economic collapse that is falling hardest on the most vulnerable Afghan families. While Afghanistan as a whole is not under international sanctions, the complex patchwork of economic and political restrictions and targeted sanctions are creating a clear chilling effect, disrupting international trade, deterring foreign investment, and hampering access to key goods and cash. There is an urgent need to reevaluate the impact of these policies that increase suffering.”

“In 2024, women and children represent 80% of those in need of aid - but women are also a key part of the solution. Women play pivotal roles in sustaining their families through farming and local businesses, and investing in women-owned enterprises and the broader private sector is essential for increasing income generation and self-sufficiency for women and their entire families. While we advocate for an Afghanistan with equal opportunity for all, it is vital that policies also allow for this kind of critical investment.”

“The international community’s current approach, which focuses too narrowly on emergency aid, must evolve to address the broader needs for economic development and infrastructure support. It is essential that the international community uphold its commitment to the Afghan people by tackling the root causes of poverty and improving lives.”

 

Since 1986, Mercy Corps has been working to improve the quality of life for Afghans and support conflict-affected communities. The organization is currently working to ensure Afghans have access to life-sustaining income, clean water and power, and can pursue productive livelihoods to feed their families. We are also providing vocational training, which enables people to gain independence and be less reliant on humanitarian assistance.

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