“There is significant humanitarian need in Afghanistan, with the crisis disproportionately affecting women and girls,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

The UN has estimated that 80% of the quarter of a million people displaced in Afghanistan since May are women and children.

“With the dangers that women and girls are facing in Afghanistan today, it is more important than ever to support the organizations that are delivering much needed humanitarian assistance and protection,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

“New Zealand is providing funding to UNICEF and the UN Population Fund. Both of these organizations are addressing urgent needs on the ground with a particular focus on supporting women and children,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

New Zealand has joined two statements supporting the call to ensure the safety and human rights of women and girls one at the Human Rights Council and the other a joint call by women political leaders to uphold and continue to advance equal rights and opportunities.

New Zealand’s latest support comes after providing $3 million to the Red Cross and the UN Refugee Agency on the 20th of August.