Press release
24 November 2011
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sweden increases its civilian aid to Afghanistan
The Government today adopted a revised and extended cooperation strategy for Swedish aid to Afghanistan. This is an important part of the gradual transition from military to increased civilian involvement. Sweden will increase its aid to northern Afghanistan, strengthen support to civil society in Afghanistan and intensify efforts to fight corruption.
Aid will gradually increase from some SEK 520 million in 2011 to some SEK 620 million in 2014. Aid will remain focused on strengthening the capacity of the Afghan state, promoting democracy and human rights,and giving more children the chance to attend school. In particular, efforts will focus on strengthening the role and rights of women, children and young people.
Work on revising the strategy was preceded by close dialogue with the Social Democratic Party and the Green Party, based on the agreement covering the overall Afghanistan operation. In 2011, Swedish aid to Afghanistan amounts to a total of about SEK 900 million, of which almost SEK 180 million goes to humanitarian operations and some SEK 200 is channelled through multilateral organisations such as the UN. Funds are also given to the EU Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL).
