What's happened
A UNDP report highlights that 2.3 million Afghan returnees this year have strained the country's fragile systems amid economic decline, climate shocks, and natural disasters. Returnees, especially women, face severe hardship, with many skipping medical care and living in degraded housing. Urgent international support is needed.
What's behind the headline?
The surge in returnees exposes the deep fragility of Afghanistan's social fabric and infrastructure. The overlapping crises—economic collapse, climate disasters, and political restrictions—create a 'perfect storm' that erodes community resilience. The report underscores that without sustained diplomatic engagement and increased aid, displacement and instability will worsen. The restrictions on women’s participation in the workforce not only harm gender equality but also diminish economic productivity, further deepening the crisis. The timing of this report signals an urgent need for international action, as Afghanistan's internal struggles threaten regional stability and humanitarian well-being. The global community's response will determine whether Afghanistan can stabilize or spiral into further chaos, with the most vulnerable bearing the brunt of neglect.
What the papers say
The Independent, AP News, Al Jazeera, and Reuters all emphasize the severity of Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis, highlighting the influx of returnees, economic hardship, and natural disasters. While The Independent and AP News focus on the strain on social services and the plight of women, Al Jazeera underscores the ongoing aid cuts and sanctions that exacerbate the crisis. Reuters provides detailed statistics on debts, housing, and employment, illustrating the depth of economic hardship. Despite slight differences in emphasis, all sources agree that urgent international support is critical to prevent further displacement and instability. The UNDP's consistent call for sustained diplomatic engagement and aid underscores the global recognition of Afghanistan's precarious situation.
How we got here
Since 2021, Afghanistan has experienced economic decline, aid reductions, and recurrent natural disasters. The recent influx of 2.3 million returnees from Iran and Pakistan has further strained social and economic infrastructure. The Taliban's restrictions on women and ongoing climate shocks have compounded the crisis, leading to widespread hardship among vulnerable populations.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Is Causing the Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis driven by a combination of economic decline, natural disasters, and political instability. The recent influx of 2.3 million returnees has overwhelmed the country's fragile systems, leaving many without access to basic needs like healthcare, housing, and food. This situation raises important questions about the root causes of the crisis and what can be done to help. Below, we explore the main factors contributing to Afghanistan's ongoing struggles and what international efforts are underway to support those affected.
More on these topics
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The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.