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UN warns of triple crisis in Afghanistan: drought, migrant return and funding shortfalls
Ratwatte emphasized the critical need for continued support for essential programs in health, education, and social protection, calling these initiatives “life-saving” for the Afghan population.
The United Nations has raised an urgent alarm over Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis, citing three simultaneous challenges that are significantly straining the country’s stability and welfare. The crises include a devastating drought, the mass return of migrants, and a sharp decline in international aid.
Andrika Ratwatte, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, delivered the warning in a recent video message, highlighting the severe impacts of these interconnected issues. Ratwatte reported that approximately 70 percent of Afghanistan’s population, reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, has been affected by the ongoing drought, exacerbating widespread food insecurity.
In addition, the return of 2.5 million Afghan migrants from neighboring Iran and Pakistan, combined with a global financial downturn, has significantly hindered humanitarian efforts. The crisis has placed immense pressure on Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian infrastructure, which was already facing a shortage of resources and aid.
The UN official also expressed concern about funding shortfalls, noting that only 37 percent of the UN’s humanitarian funding appeal for Afghanistan has been met so far. This has led to the closure of 400 humanitarian health centers across the country, leaving over 3 million people without access to basic healthcare. Similarly, 300 nutrition centers have shut down, impacting more than 80,000 vulnerable individuals, including children and breastfeeding mothers.
Ratwatte emphasized the critical need for continued support for essential programs in health, education, and social protection, calling these initiatives “life-saving” for the Afghan population.
Adding to the urgency, John Aylieff, the World Food Programme (WFP) Director in Afghanistan, described the country’s growing malnutrition crisis as “heartbreaking.” He warned that within the next year, an estimated five million women and children could face severe malnutrition, with nearly four million children requiring immediate treatment.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also expressed concern over the large-scale return of Afghans in 2025, warning that it has further strained Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian conditions.
The UN has expressed hope for improved conditions in 2026, particularly for women and girls, who represent half of Afghanistan’s population. Efforts to restore healthcare, education, and social programs are seen as vital for the country’s long-term recovery and stability.
The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the Afghanistan sanctions monitoring team for another year.
Members of the Council unanimously adopted a resolution tonight (Thursday) to extend the Security Council’s sanctions on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, says that Afghanistan, under the proper management of the Islamic Emirate, is moving each day along the path of economic growth and prosperity.
Azizi made these remarks on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the Third International Exhibition of Construction, Urban Development, and Reconstruction in Kabul.
Azizi said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, through proper management of natural resources and human capacities, has been placed on the path of economic growth and prosperity. With each passing day, by the grace of Almighty God, Afghanistan is moving toward development and industrialization.”
Azizi stated that the country has become self-sufficient in most construction materials.
He also said that 160,000 hectares of land have been allocated to them for investment and the establishment of industrial parks.
He referred to the progress of major regional projects, including TAPI, and called on all countries, especially Pakistan to cooperate in facilitating trade routes.
At the exhibition, 300 booths showcasing various sectors, including the construction industry, construction materials, construction machinery, financial and banking services, as well as domestic products have been put on display.
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Former Prince Andrew shared ‘confidential’ Afghan Trade Briefing with Epstein: Report
The briefing coincided with Andrew’s visit to Helmand, where British forces were stationed, and official guidance requires trade envoys to keep such information confidential.
Former Prince Andrew reportedly sent a confidential UK government briefing on Afghan investment opportunities to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The document, prepared for Andrew during his role as the UK’s special representative for international trade, detailed “high value commercial opportunities” in Helmand province, including gold, uranium, marble, and potential oil and gas reserves. In a December 2010 email, Andrew described it as a “confidential brief produced by the provincial reconstruction team in Helmand.”
The briefing coincided with Andrew’s visit to Helmand, where British forces were stationed, and official guidance requires trade envoys to keep such information confidential.
Emails suggest he may have also shared reports from trade visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, along with additional files labeled “Overseas bids.”
Thames Valley Police are reviewing claims that Andrew improperly shared sensitive documents while serving as trade envoy.
Andrew, 65, stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after his connection to Epstein emerged and settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre in 2022, denying any liability.
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