Published on: 2026-07-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 7, 2026 Humanitarian Aid
Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest crises related to forced displacement. People are forced to leave their homes due to poverty, drought, and earthquakes.
The consequences of four decades of war, mass return of people, climate shocks, unstable economy, and reduced participation of women in the country’s life are undermining the population’s livelihoods and overburdening the basic services system. This is stated in a new socio-economic overview of Afghanistan prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“In Afghanistan, crises rarely occur alone,” said UNDP head Alexander De Croo, who, along with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, is visiting Afghanistan. UN representatives are holding meetings with returning Afghans, local humanitarian partners, and the country’s officials.
Support on the path to a new life
In just the past year, a devastating earthquake destroyed many homes and deprived people of their livelihoods, while poverty remains a harsh reality for most residents of the country.
Today, 74 percent of Afghanistan’s population, or about 29 million people, are facing a lack of essential items. UNDP provides support to displaced persons and host communities, helping them restore livelihoods and start a new life. During a joint visit, UN agency leaders visited the city of Jalalabad, where they met with communities affected by earthquakes. They also visited the Sutan Valley, which, according to Alexander De Croo, “has become an example of successful recovery.”
The path to recovery
The Sutang Valley, severely affected by the earthquake, is already showing the first results of restoration work. As part of flood protection and irrigation development projects, women manufacture metal mesh structures, while men produce bricks for building protective facilities. These measures help reduce the risk of natural disasters, protect agricultural lands, and create new sources of income.
“Emergency support saves lives, while development assistance helps people rebuild their lives,” noted De Croo.
The foundation for long-term recovery
UN agencies are working to achieve these and other common goals. For example, an initiative supported by the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan and launched last year helps lay the foundation for long-term solutions in the northeast of the country. It aims to prepare local communities for the return of people, support returning Afghans, and create conditions for sustainable recovery.
In addition, the “Joint Actions in the Interests of the Comprehensive Development of Return Areas” project provides for improving access to housing, essential services, and income-generating opportunities, as well as enhancing living conditions for host communities, returning Afghans, and internally displaced persons in 69 settlements across three districts in Kunduz and Baghlan provinces.
At the same time, UNHCR implements a comprehensive approach throughout displacement routes, aiming to reduce risks for people on the move and strengthen asylum systems.
Since it is forecasted that in 2026 more than 570 thousand Afghans will require resettlement to third countries, UNHCR intends to expand its capacity for their reception, including through programs for education access, labor mobility, and family reunification.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.