EU pledges money to Afghanistan as G20 demands humanitarian access

Taliban fighters guard a Serena hotel, which is popular with foreigners, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Picture: AP Photo/Ahmad Halabisaz

The European Union has pledged €1bn in support for the Afghan people and the G20 vowed to accelerate aid amid concerns that an already precarious humanitarian and financial situation will grow catastrophic over the winter.

G20 leaders demanded at a virtual summit hosted by Italy that the Taliban government allow humanitarian access across Afghanistan, keep Kabul Airport and the country’s borders open and ensure security for UN, humanitarian and diplomatic staff.