Asia and the Pacific

Afghanistan

Displaced girl in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan
Many Afghan families have been displaced from various cities due to recent wars, and now live with great difficulty on the Pakistani-Kandahar border. Their children have to work hard to earn money and sleep on cold and dry floor. OCHA/Sayed Habib Bidell
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Afghanistan continues to grapple with the consequences of four decades of conflict, entrenched poverty, climate-induced crises, and barriers to women’s equality and participation in public life. 

The economic downturn following the political transition in August 2021 – which coincided with a suspension of large-scale bilateral development cooperation on which the country depended – has exacerbated underlying fragilities, including limited livelihood opportunities for both urban and rural populations alike. 

Despite the significant reduction in active hostilities, Afghanistan remains primarily a protection emergency characterized by high-levels of protracted displacement, mine and explosive ordnance contamination, restrictions to freedom of movement, increased risk of gender-based violence, child labour, early marriage and increased needs for mental health and psychosocial support.

Despite the withdrawal of international forces, Afghanistan is not immune to geo-political and regional dynamics with 1.9 million Afghans having returned to the country so far in 2023, including more than 471,000 from Pakistan since 15 September

Additionally, severe climate change effects have precipitated a widespread water crisis that leaves no corner of the country untouched, and has generated new food, health and nutrition needs. Lying on numerous fault lines, Afghanistan also remains vulnerable to earthquakes, having experienced nearly 400 in the past year including three 6.3 magnitude shocks in Herat Province in October, contributing to increased shelter needs. 

The exclusion of 1.4 million girls from secondary school, combined with low literacy rates overall, means that education needs persist and remain a critical priority.

Women-headed households are the most vulnerable population group in Afghanistan today, with a higher reliance on ‘emergency’ livelihood coping strategies, increased reports of early marriage of daughters, and higher rates of food insecurity and child labour when compared to male-headed households. 

Nearly half of all Afghans live in poverty, with rates particularly high among women. Despite low-level economic stabilisation in 2023, 65 per cent of families still experienced an economic shock. Fragile economic conditions are expected to continue to contribute to acute food insecurity in 2024, affecting 15.8 million people.

The 2024 humanitarian response in Afghanistan requires US$3.06 billion to provide assistance for 17.3 million people.

Key priorities include food aid, safe drinking water, healthcare, education, and addressing acute water, sanitation, and hygiene needs. The protection of vulnerable groups, especially women, children and those living with disabilities, remains paramount.

Overview of the Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan

For a full overview of the humanitarian response, visit humanitarianaction.info
Population
44.5M 2024
People in need
23.7M
People displaced
6.3M
People in need
23.7M
People covered by assistance
17.3M
Total requirements (USD)
3.1B 2024
Total requirements (USD)
3.1B 2024
Funding coverage (%)
6.60 2024
Funding gap (USD)
2.9B 2024

The Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund

Pledged amount (USD)
5.1M 2024
Paid amount (USD)
2.3M 2024

Resources

Afghanistan

Infographic

Afghanistan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (February 2024)

Key Highlights In February 2024, there were 136[1] humanitarian access incidents impeded humanitarian operations. This marks a 25 percent increase from the same period last year and maintains...

Originally published
Source
  • UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Read more

Afghanistan

Situation Report

Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, December 2023

HIGHLIGHTS Partners set in motion targeted humanitarian work for 2024 Pg. 01 Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan in 2023 Pg. 02 Rising number of returning Afghans increase humanitarian needs Pg. 04 ...

Originally published
Source
  • UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Read more

Afghanistan

Situation Report

Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, November 2023

HIGHLIGHTS COP 28: A call for urgency and solidarity as Afghanistan bears the weight of climate injustice Pg. 01 Decades of conflict: the lingering impact of explosives hazards in Afghanistan Pg. 02 ...

Originally published
Source
  • UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Read more

Funding for OCHA Afghanistan

Total requirements (USD)
12.9M 2024
Opening balance (USD)
0 2024
Earmarked funding (USD)
0 2024
Total (USD)
0 2024