Afghanistan: aid for earthquake victims and an end to gender apartheid

MEPs adopted a resolution on Thursday, with 504 votes in favour, 74 against and 3 abstentions, calling for a stronger emergency response in the aftermath of the earthquake in Kunar, Afghanistan.

More help needed

MEPs are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. The emergency response must be stepped up, especially to reach the most disadvantaged population. In view of the severe impact that cuts in international aid have had on Afghanistan, Parliament urges the European Commission to urgently reinforce EU support to meet the basic needs of the population.

Taliban commit “crimes against humanity“

MEPs denounce the Taliban regime’s deliberate neglect of women and girls who were victims of the earthquake as a “crime against humanity”. In view of the restrictions on aid to women and girls, MEPs call on the Afghan authorities to lift restrictions on the distribution of humanitarian aid. To boost this assistance, the resolution proposes greater collaboration with regional partners and trusted NGOs to circumvent Taliban interference and secure aid.

An end to “gender apartheid

MEPs condemn the Taliban’s numerous gender-based restrictions and discriminatory policies that prevent Afghan women from accessing education, medical training, healthcare and humanitarian work, which they describe as “gender apartheid”. The EU should support the recognition of this as a crime against humanity, and the regime should immediately lift restrictions on women humanitarian workers and women working in civil society organisations. Parliament also condemns the Taliban’s recent decision to cut internet access throughout the country.

Increased pressure on the Taliban

The text condemns systematic violence against women, including rape, sexual violence and forced child marriage. The EU and Member States should adopt sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes against Taliban leaders responsible for human rights violations, as well as refrain from resuming diplomatic contacts with the regime.

Support for asylum claims by human rights activists

MEPs warn about the 1 300 human rights defenders, journalists and other public figures who supported democratic development in Afghanistan and who remain in Pakistan awaiting processing of their asylum applications in the EU. In addition, recent deportations from Pakistan to Afghanistan have affected these groups, and Member States are urged to assist applications as far as possible.

Context

On 31 August 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 2 200 people and injuring thousands, destroying more than 6 700 houses.

The EU and Member States are one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. They have approved €1 million in emergency funding, in addition to the €161 million in humanitarian aid already sent in 2025.

Further information: European Parliament