Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu (left) and the acting representative of UNHCR in Afghanistan Takashima Yumiiko at the handover ceremony. March 27, 2022. Photo: Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan

Humanitarian supplies purchased by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) with funding from China's South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF) are being distributed in Afghan cities , said Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu at the handover ceremony on Sunday in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

Wang said SSCAF quickly approved UNHCR's application and provided funds for buying emergency relief supplies and supporting local education for vulnerable groups in Afghanistan in 2021.

"Thanks to the effort of UNHCR, more than 2,400 tents, 20,000 school bags and 7,400 aid packages which contain kitchenwares, blankets and gas tanks are being distributed in Afghan cities. I believe they will help the Afghan people," said Wang. 

Takashima Yumiko, acting representative of UNHCR in Afghanistan, appreciated the financial support from China's SSCAF to the UNHCR, as well as China's continuous humanitarian aid to the country.

China's aid comes at a time when Afghans are facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The aid will help more than 90,000 homeless refugees and children of school age, said Takashima, adding that the UNHCR will be in close contact with the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan to make sure the supplies reach those who need them. 

"The Chinese government has been paying great attention to the living situation of Afghan people who suffered from a combination of COVID-19 pandemic, social turmoil and drought," Wang emphasized, saying that China supports the humanitarian aid not only by donations to UNHCR and World Food Program, but also through bilateral channels.

"Batches of supplies worth more than $50,000,000, including food, medicine and winter supplies, have been directly sent to Afghanistan from the Chinese government, civil organizations and warm-hearted Chinese individuals. China has also arranged 36 chartered airlines to import Afghan pine nuts, which brought the country over $22,000,000 income," said Wang.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday visited Afghanistan. Wang Yi talked about China's policy on Afghan issues, namely the "three respects" and "three nevers," stressing that as Afghan friends often say, China is the only major country that has not hurt Afghanistan.

Global Times