KABUL, 20 January 2022, (TON): Amid a major humanitarian crisis Afghanistan, the European Union (EU) has launched projects worth €268.3 million, stepping up support to the Afghan population.

The EU support focuses on maintaining education, sustaining livelihoods and protecting public health, including for refugees, migrants and internally displaced people.

Channeled through UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNHCR, WHO and IOM, the UE support benefits the Afghan population directly. A statement from European Commission said two of the projects supported human rights defenders and civil society organisations.

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “Leaving no one behind is a key principle of the EU’s engagement in the world.”

She added “today, we are demonstrating what we have said many times: we will not abandon the Afghan people.”

The Finnish politician voiced her pleasure over addressing basic human needs and supporting livelihoods under the clear parameters set out by the Foreign Affairs Council.

According to her “the projects focus on health, nutrition, clean water, sanitation and education, in particular for women and girls.”