Save the Children Statement on U.S. Government Actions Supporting Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Dec. 22, 2021)—In response to the U.S. Treasury Department today issuing of additional General Licenses to support humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, Save the Children President and CEO Janti Soeripto said:

“Save the Children welcomes today’s actions by the US Government to help ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people of Afghanistan. The US Treasury Department’s issuing of additional General Licenses to support humanitarian assistance in the country is a critical step as children and families face deteriorating, life-threatening conditions. We were particularly encouraged to see that education activities – which are lifesaving and help to protect children – were explicitly authorized.

“The situation for children in Afghanistan is dire. An unprecedented fourteen million children are expected to face potentially life-threatening levels of hunger this winter. Pending economic collapse and soaring food prices mean parents face heart-wrenching decisions as they struggle to feed their families and keep them warm. Basic services, including health care, are out of reach for many. Humanitarian aid is needed now more than ever.

“Today’s progress—which also includes unanimous passage of the US-led UN Security Council resolution to provide humanitarian exemptions to UN sanctions —is necessary and encouraging. The global community must continue to take urgent action to prevent loss of life and address the drivers of the crisis. Millions of children’s futures depend on it.”