The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is worsening as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East creates additional economic and political pressures on the country. According to Georgette Gagnon, Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, rising commodity prices and growing instability are placing further strain on Afghanistan’s already fragile economy. Trade routes through Iran have become increasingly uncertain due to the regional conflict, while the closure of the border with Pakistan is further disrupting trade and increasing economic challenges.
Gagnon also highlighted that Afghanistan’s continued isolation from the international community is limiting the country’s ability to address key issues such as economic self-sufficiency, security cooperation, counter-terrorism commitments, human rights concerns, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. She warned that if these challenges remain unresolved, Afghanistan could once again contribute to regional and global instability through increased migration, terrorism, and narcotics trafficking.
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have also escalated, with ongoing clashes along the border and reports of airstrikes in Afghan cities. These confrontations have created severe human and economic consequences and have further complicated the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Calls have been made for an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure that aid can reach those in need.
At the same time, Afghanistan continues to face a deepening humanitarian crisis. Since September 2023, the country has received approximately 5.5 million returning Afghans from neighbouring countries while international aid has been declining. Funding cuts, increasing humanitarian needs, and policies by the de facto authorities have worsened conditions for the population. Long-term economic decline, repeated climate shocks, and widespread poverty have reduced families’ ability to cope, contributing to rising migration and displacement.
Restrictions on women and girls have further intensified the crisis. The exclusion of women from the workforce is significantly weakening the country’s human capital and limiting long-term economic recovery. In addition, a six-month ban on female national staff working for the United Nations has restricted the organization’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance and reach vulnerable women across the country.
Humanitarian organizations aim to assist around 17.5 million Afghans in 2026 through a funding appeal of $1.71 billion. However, the appeal has received only about 10 percent of the required funding so far, raising serious concerns about the ability to maintain life-saving aid operations.
Members of the United Nations Security Council expressed serious concern about the humanitarian situation and the ongoing restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan. Several representatives stressed that the current situation is unsustainable and warned that continued inaction could worsen instability in the region. They also emphasized that humanitarian assistance should not be politicized and called on donors to provide reliable funding to support critical relief efforts for the Afghan population.
