AFGHANISTAN HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

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3.5

million Afghans are displaced inside the country due to conflict. 

25

million Afghans live in poverty with more than half of the population reliant on humanitarian aid. Six million people are on the brink of famine and 1 million children face severe malnourishment.

80%

women and children make up 80 percent of all forcibly displaced within Afghanistan. 

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. 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 6 million Afghans have been driven out of their homes and their country 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 780,000 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 million people in the country remain displaced from their homes. The impact of the conflict on women and girls has been particularly devastating – 80 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

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.

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

Learn more about What We Do.

 

Stories from the crisis in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Refugee Crisis Explained

UNHCR warns Afghanistan’s conflict taking the heaviest toll on displaced women and children

See all stories about the Afghanistan refugee crisis >

Afghanistan Refugee Camps and Settlements

two afghan refugee children stand outside their shelter in Islamabad, an Afghan refugee settlement in Pakistan

Afghan refugee children stand outside their shelter in a
refugee settlement in Pakistan. 

  • Iran and Pakistan host 85 percent of displaced Afghans - more than 2.2 million registered Afghan refugees in total.
  • Some 65 percent of the Afghan population – within and outside of Afghanistan – are children and young people.
  • UNHCR set up protection monitoring across 34 provinces in Afghanistan as part of the broader UN effort.

Other Emergencies

Help Refugee Families

War, violence and persecution have forced millions of families from their homes. They urgently need shelter, protection and safety. You can help rush critical supplies like medicine, clean water, food and tents to desperate children and families. You can provide refugees with emergency support, long-term care and hope for the future.

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