Latest News
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.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says more than 25,000 anti-drug operations have been conducted in the country in 2026, resulting in the destruction of 26,500 hectares of poppy and cannabis crops and the arrest of 10,065 suspects.
The figures were announced at a meeting in Kabul titled “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Fight Against Drugs: Facts and Achievements,” hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attended by Islamic Emirate officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations.
Abdul Rahman Munir, deputy minister for counter-narcotics at the Ministry of Interior, said the operations also led to the discovery and closure of 301 drug-processing laboratories, two chemical pill factories and 15 alcohol-producing factories.
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the enforcement of the decree banning drug cultivation, production, processing, trafficking and use reflected the authorities’ position on combating narcotics.
Muttaqi also raised concerns over widespread drug cultivation in Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and the trafficking of narcotics from those areas. He said international cooperation was necessary for the anti-drug campaign to achieve its objectives.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Naeem, the Foreign Ministry’s deputy minister for finance and administration, stressed the need to provide alternative livelihoods for farmers, support health centers, strengthen technical assistance and improve regional coordination to sustain progress in counter-narcotics efforts.
The meeting concluded with calls for continued efforts to combat drugs, expand alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers and strengthen regional and international cooperation.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, met on Tuesday with Turhan Saleh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Afghanistan, to discuss expanding development cooperation, supporting the private sector and implementing development projects.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Hanif said sanctions, the freezing of Afghanistan’s foreign exchange reserves, the United Nations’ non-recognition of the Islamic Emirate and the suspension of international development assistance had affected the country’s economic development.
He also highlighted economic growth, increased domestic production, efforts to combat drug cultivation and water resource management. Hanif identified climate change and the large-scale return of migrants as additional factors putting pressure on the country’s economy and society.
The minister said providing shelter and building roads, schools, clinics and water supply networks for returnees were among the government’s priorities. He added that infrastructure and production projects could help create jobs, increase household incomes, reduce poverty and support sustainable economic growth.
Meanwhile, Saleh welcomed Afghanistan’s economic achievements over the past five years and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to continuing development cooperation with the country.
He also expressed the organization’s readiness to support efforts to combat drug cultivation, construct check dams, implement development projects, provide training programmes and support small businesses and the private sector.
The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing the need for stronger coordination and continued cooperation to expand economic opportunities, create jobs and promote sustainable development in Afghanistan.
Latest News
Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami leader says regional alliance could help resolve Afghanistan issue
Siraj ul Haq, leader of Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami party, has called for closer cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran, saying an alliance among the four countries could help address the Afghanistan issue and promote peace and stability across the region.
In a post on X, Haq said the proposed alliance could also help address challenges facing the Muslim world, including issues related to Iran, Kashmir and Gaza, and support efforts towards the liberation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
He urged Muslim countries to move beyond verbal statements and demonstrate practical unity by taking concrete steps to support Palestinians, protect oppressed Muslims and resolve shared challenges.
Haq’s remarks come after senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye and Pakistan met in Tehran on Monday.
Tahawol: Emphasis on security cooperation at Tehran talks discussed
Afghanistan U-18 futsal team in Senegal ahead of Youth Olympic Games
Afghanistan reports over 25,000 anti-drug operations in 2026
Sorkh Poshan Khafi cruise to 3–0 win over Toofan Herat in ACL season six
Afghanistan’s economy minister, UNDP representative discuss development cooperation
Cricket Bonanza: Afghanistan set for packed international schedule
Afghanistan on climate front line as Kabul faces groundwater warning
ACB announces Afghanistan squads for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe series
Afghanistan to face Pakistan, India and Australia at 2027 Cricket World Cup
Four members of one family killed in Helmand in Pakistan airstrike
Tahawol: Emphasis on security cooperation at Tehran talks discussed
Saar: Pakistan threatening strikes on Afghanistan
Iran says outcome of Israeli elections ‘makes no difference’
Houthis attack Saudi Arabia before high-stakes talks in Tehran
Tahawol: Ukraine war and ongoing peace efforts
-
Latest News3 days agoUS Central Asia strategy faces challenges linked to Afghanistan’s political and security situation
-
Business5 days agoPakistan exporters suffer billions in losses as Afghanistan trade halt continues
-
Sport4 days agoAfghanistan defeat Zimbabwe to win Tri-Series ahead of 2027 Cricket World Cup
-
Business4 days agoIMF forecasts 1.3 percent regional economic contraction in 2026
-
Business3 days agoTurkmenistan targets 80 billion cubic meters of gas production in 2026
-
Latest News4 days agoKhalilzad warns of worsening relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan
-
Sport2 days agoAfghanistan rise above England to match their highest-ever ODI ranking
-
Latest News4 days agoTurkmenistan says Kerki–Kabul power line could supply up to 800 MW to Afghanistan