KABUL: In response to a recent Taliban order halting Swedish activities in Afghanistan, the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA), a major humanitarian organization, announced on Wednesday that it had suspended some of its operations. The Taliban administration had issued the order after a Holy Quran burning incident in Stockholm last month, although it was not specified which institutions would be affected.
The SCA, which employs thousands of Afghan staff across the country and provides critical services in health, education, and rural development, treated 2.5 million patients in its health clinics last year alone. The aid group released a statement indicating that discussions were initiated with the Taliban administration, resulting in the temporary pause of certain activities.
Swedish Committee for Afghanistan Operations
The exact number and nature of the paused operations were not disclosed by the SCA. However, the organization expressed its intention to seek approvals from the Taliban to resume operations as soon as possible. The response from the Taliban-run economy ministry, responsible for administering non-governmental organizations, is yet to be received.
Afghanistan’s aid sector has already been severely hindered by various restrictions, including limitations on female aid workers. Furthermore, reductions in funding for the United Nations-led annual humanitarian plan suggest a decline in financial support from donor countries.
The temporary suspension of the SCA’s operations highlights the challenging environment faced by humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan. With increasing restrictions and funding uncertainties, there are concerns about the long-term impact on the delivery of crucial services to vulnerable communities across the country.
Efforts are underway to address the situation, as the SCA and other humanitarian organizations seek dialogue with the Taliban administration to ensure the resumption of vital services for those in need.
