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Emergencies

AFGHANISTAN HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

3.2 million

Afghans are displaced inside the country due to conflict.

28.3 million

Afghans, two-thirds of the population, are in need of humanitarian and protection assistance as the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues deteriorating.

8.2 million

Afghans are being hosted by neighboring countries; over 1.6 million have arrived since 2021.

About the Crisis in Afghanistan

After more than 40 years, Afghan refugees continue to make up one of the largest and most protracted displacement situations under UNHCR’s mandate. With a record 28.3 million people—two-thirds of its population—in need of humanitarian and protection assistance in 2023, the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues deteriorating. The prolonged nature of the crisis has prompted intensified efforts to support Afghan refugees and the host communities in Iran and Pakistan that have generously accommodated them for over four decades. 

More than 8.2 million Afghans have been driven out of their homes and their country into neighboring countries by conflict, violence and poverty. It is estimated that 85 percent of Afghan refugees are living in Pakistan and Iran, which continue to host more than 1.3 million and 750,000 registered Afghan refugees respectively.

In 2021, events leading up to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August exacerbated displacement throughout the country. More than 3.2 million people in the country remain displaced from their homes. The impact of the conflict on women and girls has been particularly devastating – over 70 percent of all forcibly displaced within Afghanistan are women and children. 

“Afghanistan’s displacement crisis is one of the largest and most protracted in UNHCR’s seven-decade history. We’re now seeing a third generation of Afghan children born in exile,’’ says UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

VIDEO

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Khaled Hosseini urges for support for displaced Afghan families

How to Help in Afghanistan

UNHCR is on the ground aiding Afghan refugees and the forcibly displaced, but resources are stretched too thin. Your gift will offer hope for a safe future.

What is UNHCR doing to help in Afghanistan?

Despite challenging circumstances, the UN Refugee Agency is on the ground delivering lifesaving support to millions of displaced Afghans. The needs of those who have had to flee suddenly are acute, increasing demand for shelter, food, water and health services. 

Responding to the most critical priorities, UNHCR has provided food, shelter, cash, hygiene and sanitary kits and other lifesaving assistance together with partners. UNHCR has also undertaken protection monitoring covering 34 provinces.

Afghanistan facts

UNHCR continues to work with authorities in some of the countries neighboring Afghanistan to plan and prepare for potential future movements of Afghan refugees.

Afghanistan Refugee Camps and Settlements

Displacement

Iran and Pakistan host 85 percent of displaced Afghans - more than 2 million registered Afghan refugees in total.

Hunger

20 million people face acute hunger, with 6 million people in ‘emergency’ levels (one step away from famine) - one of the world’s highest figures.

Housing

80 percent of households across Afghanistan have experienced income reduction. People’s debts have mounted – both in terms of the number of people taking on debt (82 percent of all households) and the amount of debt (about 11 percent higher than the previous year).

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