Afghanistan, with its rich cultural heritage and resilient population, faces a critical humanitarian crisis as aid cuts and sanctions have left millions struggling to survive. The return of 4.5 million individuals since 2023 from neighboring countries has intensified the strain on already scarce resources, compelling many families into precarious situations. The challenges faced in the wake of natural disasters and economic instability reveal the urgent need for international support and compassion for Afghan citizens in these tumultuous times.
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Nine in ten families in Afghanistan are reportedly facing hunger or spiraling into debt, amid an influx of returning citizens that has exacerbated existing resource shortages in the nation’s eastern and northern regions. According to a recent United Nations report, Afghanistan, which is currently under Taliban governance, has been hard-hit by aid cuts, sanctions, and a series of natural disasters—including a devastating earthquake in August. The country has struggled to integrate the estimated 4.5 million returnees who have come back since 2023, with around 1.5 million being compelled to leave Pakistan and Iran this year due to heightened expulsion efforts.
The latest findings from a UN Development Programme (UNDP) report, released on November 11, 2025, highlight the acute economic hardships faced by these returnees. Many families are forced to skip medical care in order to afford food, and over 90 percent have accrued debt ranging from 3 to 0, a staggering sum given the average monthly income of just 0. The report, compiled from data gathered from over 48,000 households, also notes that rents have surged dramatically, complicating the search for decent housing as many returnees find themselves in inadequate living conditions—over half report insufficient space and bedding, while a significant portion is dealing with secondary displacement.
The UNDP has urged for urgent support aimed at enhancing livelihoods and services in communities heavily impacted by the return of these individuals. Stephen Rodriques, UNDP’s resident representative in Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of targeted recovery initiatives that connect income opportunities and basic services to rebuild cohesion and ease the pressures on high-return areas.
Once again, the plight of Afghanistan is exacerbated by a drastic reduction in international aid, which has continued to dwindle since the U.S.’s withdrawal in 2021. This year, the United Nations has called for .1 billion for humanitarian efforts in the nation, a plea that has largely gone unmet.
In addition to the severe economic challenges, the UNDP report highlights the limitations imposed on women in the workforce, which worsens the situation for returnees who often rely on female breadwinners. Women’s participation in Afghanistan’s labor force has fallen to just 6 percent, one of the lowest rates globally, as restrictions on their movement severely limit access to employment, education, and healthcare. Kanni Wignaraja, UN assistant secretary-general and UNDP regional director for Asia and the Pacific, notes that in several provinces, one in four households depend on women as primary earners. The exclusion of women from the labor force not only impacts families but also threatens the overall prosperity and recovery of the nation—a crucial insight as Afghanistan seeks a way forward.
As hardship continues to mount, the need for compassion and urgent assistance for the Afghan population has never been more critical. The international community’s engagement is essential in guaranteeing support for those affected and in enabling transformative recovery for returnees and their families.
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