Norwegian People’s Aid Suspends Operations in Afghanistan
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Loading... - Sadiki Omar
- 03 Feb 2025
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Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has announced the suspension of its operations in Afghanistan following a directive from the U.S. State Department, which instructed the organization to halt all activities related to U.S. financial assistance. This decision stems from an executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
On February 2, NPA released a statement indicating that their mine clearance activities, funded by the U.S., would be suspended for an 85-day period. This suspension affects not only Afghanistan but also impacts mine clearance operations in 11 other countries, including Angola, Cambodia, Iraq, Kosovo, Laos, Palau, Peru, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Yemen.
NPA emphasized the critical role of mine clearance in reducing global poverty, enhancing security, and promoting economic development and stability. The organization expressed hope that the new U.S. administration would continue to prioritize demining efforts and support this essential work worldwide.
In 2023, the organization reported approximately 7,000 casualties caused by landmines and cluster munitions globally, underscoring the urgent need for continued demining efforts.
NPA has expressed its intention to engage in discussions with U.S. authorities and other stakeholders affected by the suspension to explore potential pathways for resuming their operations. The organization remains hopeful that these discussions will lead to a safer and more stable future for the regions impacted by landmines.
The suspension of U.S. foreign aid under Trump’s policies has caused significant disruptions in humanitarian projects worldwide, particularly those reliant on U.S. funding. Organizations like NPA now face the challenge of either halting essential activities or seeking alternative funding sources, highlighting the vulnerability of critical global assistance programs to changes in U.S. foreign policy.
Despite the setbacks caused by the suspension of funding, organizations such as Norwegian People’s Aid continue to advocate for dialogue with the U.S. government, aiming to resume funding for their vital projects. The ongoing efforts to clear mines and provide support to conflict-affected regions illustrate the importance of maintaining consistency in international aid, which is crucial for long-term stability and development. The situation serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global humanitarian efforts and the impact of political decisions on vulnerable populations.
