The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has announced the suspension of some of its humanitarian programs in Afghanistan due to the sudden halt of US financial aid.  

In a statement, the NRC said it will continue to collaborate with other donors to provide essential services to Afghans despite the challenges.  

The statement read: "While the recent US suspension orders have impacted our overall capacity and forced us to close some programmes, our dedicated team continues to deliver vital services to Afghans with the generous support of other international donors."  

"The activities of those NRC programs funded by USAID across 20 countries have been temporarily suspended. However, other programs funded by different donors are continuing as usual,” stated Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy.

The NRC, active in Afghanistan since 2001, primarily focuses on assisting returning refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and supporting education.  

Some economic experts believe that the continuation of humanitarian activities in Afghanistan could positively impact the country’s economy.  

"These international humanitarian organizations play a crucial role in creating work and improving living conditions for the people of Afghanistan, both inside and outside the country,” stated Sayed Sailab Samandari, an economic analyst.

"Foreign aid could have a more positive impact, and the suspension of aid from Norway could exacerbate the crisis. With proper trade, economic, and strategic relations with the world, we can address this issue,” said Abdul Zahoor Modaber, another economic analyst. 

Previously, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy announced on January 29 that the activities of 50 aid organizations had been suspended due to the halt of US aid.