The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in August 2021 has reversed years of democratic, economic and development gains. It plunged the country into a deeper humanitarian and economic crisis, further destabilising an already fragile Afghan economy.
Australia is extremely concerned about the Taliban’s human rights abuses and the protracted humanitarian crisis. Since September 2021, Australia has provided and committed over $310 million in humanitarian and basic needs assistance to the people of Afghanistan, supporting those in greatest need, particularly women and girls. Our ongoing priorities are alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, support to women and girls, and support to displaced Afghans and host communities in the region. We will work with partners to advance gender equality and disability equity in the delivery of assistance, and ensure humanitarian interventions are targeted, well-coordinated and responsive to changing needs.
Australia does not regard the Taliban as the legitimate representatives of the people of Afghanistan. Our engagement in Afghanistan is necessarily limited to the humanitarian partners and other donors. We will continue to stand with the Afghan people as an effective humanitarian donor in Afghanistan and the surrounding region.
Purpose of the Development Partnership Plan
Australia's International Development Policy presents a long-term vision for how the development program will meet the critical needs of our partners, support sustainable development and help lift people out of poverty. Australia seeks relationships based on respect and partnerships that create economic and social value for us all. To achieve this, Australia supports our partners to:
- build effective, accountable states that drive their own development
- enhance state and community resilience to external pressures and shocks
- connect with Australia and regional architecture
- generate collective action on global challenges that impact us and our region.
The Australia – Afghanistan Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029 (DPP) translates into action the humanitarian priorities Australia shares with the people of Afghanistan. The DPP sets out agreed objectives, how we will work with partners to deliver shared outcomes, and how progress will be monitored. It also identifies where Australia can add value to humanitarian priorities in Afghanistan and how Australia will work with other development and humanitarian actors, ensuring the Australian Government contribution to the development and humanitarian ambitions of the people of Afghanistan is well coordinated.
The DPP reflects the full spectrum of Australia's development support – Australian Government bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) as well as significant regional and global ODA activities. A commitment to ongoing dialogue and engagement with relevant government and non-government actors in support of a genuine and respectful partnership underpins this DPP. A mid-cycle review of the DPP will be undertaken.