Deputy PM meets with UNAMA chief to discuss challenges around humanitarian aid

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) deputy prime minister Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi met this morning with UNAMA head Deborah Lyons and her deputy Ramiz Alakbarov to discuss greater coordination and transparency regarding delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid.

Lyons also discussed the activities of various UN agencies working in Afghanistan and requested a meeting with relevant ministries, UN agencies and other donor organizations in order to address challenges and facilitate humanitarian assistance where needed.

Hanafi meanwhile welcomed the idea of such a meeting, which he said would lead to transparent delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, and said it was important for greater understanding and coordination between the IEA and donor agencies.

Referring to the recent floods in various provinces in Afghanistan, which left dozens dead and caused heavy financial losses, Hanafi called for more aid to help the victims.

At the meeting he also noted that the IEA has banned the cultivation of poppies and the trafficking of narcotics, and said the IEA is helping Afghan farmers to change to alternate crops.