Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which worsened following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in Nangarhar Province on August 31. With thousands affected, there is an urgent need to scale up humanitarian efforts to ensure life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable communities.
In response, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced that Canada is providing $3 million in humanitarian funding to support emergency relief following the earthquake. This funding is distributed among several key organizations to bolster relief efforts. The World Food Programme will receive $1.3 million to enhance its ongoing response, including food distribution and logistics. The International Committee of the Red Cross will receive $1 million to support conflict-affected communities impacted by the disaster.
Additionally, through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, $350,000 each is allocated to CARE Canada and Islamic Relief Canada to provide critical support such as clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter, essential non-food items, and health services. Beyond this immediate funding, Canada has committed over $36 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in 2025, channeled through UN agencies, Red Cross, and other NGOs to address food security, healthcare, water and sanitation, and protection services.
Canada continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and coordinates with experienced partners to ensure that aid efforts remain responsive to urgent needs. Secretary of State Sarai expressed his sympathy for those affected, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan during this difficult time.
Canada is also a significant donor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which allocated US$5 million to this emergency response. In 2025 alone, Canada contributed more than $29 million to the CERF. The UN estimates that nearly half of Afghanistan’s population—about 22.9 million people—require humanitarian assistance this year. Canada remains dedicated to ensuring that aid is delivered responsibly and effectively, with strict accountability measures to prevent misuse of funds.
