A major humanitarian initiative funded by the European Union has reached more than 845,000 people across Afghanistan, providing critical support for communities affected by food insecurity, displacement, conflict, and explosive ordnance contamination. The two-year programme was implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in partnership with local organisations, including the Kabul Orthopedic Organization (KOO), Women Activities & Social Services Association (WASSA), and the Demining Agency for Afghanistan (DAFA).
Afghanistan continues to face a deepening humanitarian crisis driven by economic collapse, climate shocks, and the long-term impacts of conflict, further worsened by the return of large numbers of people from neighbouring countries. In this context, vulnerable communities are facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and essential services, alongside ongoing protection risks.
The programme delivered multi-sector assistance aimed at addressing both immediate needs and long-term safety concerns. Food aid reached over 21,000 people, helping reduce reliance on harmful coping strategies such as skipping meals or selling essential belongings. Shelter support was provided to more than 11,000 people through cash assistance, winterisation kits, tents, solar lamps, and housing repairs, helping families withstand harsh living conditions.
Psychosocial support and protection services were extended to over 6,400 individuals, including emergency assistance, case management, and referrals for vulnerable groups. Emergency response efforts also supported more than 8,500 people affected by sudden crises.
A significant component of the programme focused on humanitarian mine action, with more than 4.5 million square metres of contaminated land cleared. Risk education and explosive ordnance disposal activities reached over 723,000 people, improving safety and enabling communities to return to farmland and homes previously affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance.
In addition, rehabilitation services supported 1,585 people through physiotherapy and assistive devices, while targeted psychosocial interventions were delivered in regions such as Herat to support returnees and at-risk populations. Local partners also played a central role in delivering services, with DAFA clearing hazardous land in Kabul province and WASSA providing case management and psychosocial care for vulnerable individuals.
Humanitarian actors emphasized that despite the scale of assistance delivered, needs in Afghanistan remain extremely high and continue to grow. They stressed the importance of sustained international engagement, particularly for women, girls, displaced populations, and returning families, to prevent further deterioration of living conditions and to support long-term recovery.
