Afghanistan is experiencing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with over 23mn people—more than half of the population—in need of life-saving assistance, according to United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC). The situation results from decades of conflict, economic instability, climate shocks, and a breakdown of basic services. Taliban-imposed restrictions, particularly on women’s rights, have further worsened conditions.
Indrika Ratwatte, the UN’s Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, called for continued international support at the EU Senior Officials Meeting on Afghanistan held in Brussels.
As per Ratwatte, a significant reduction in international aid has led to the closure of more than 400 health clinics, 400 acute malnutrition centres, and approximately 300 centres for survivors of gender-based violence.
“We are now forced to prioritise among the most vulnerable of the vulnerable,” Ratwatte said, adding that the drop in aid is affecting progress made in resilience-building efforts.
Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change, facing repeated droughts and floods. With 70% of the population reliant on agriculture, water shortages have serious consequences for rural communities.
In 2024, around 1mn Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan. Ratwatte noted that 70% of returnees are young people, many of whom face limited opportunities for employment and education.
Restrictions on women and girls remain in place, including bans on secondary and higher education. Despite this, the number of women-led small and medium enterprises has increased from 2,400 in 2021 to over 10,000.
These businesses face challenges in accessing finance, training, and markets. The UN and its partners continue to provide support through business development programs.
The European Union is currently Afghanistan’s largest donor and maintains a presence on the ground. Ratwatte stated that this allows the EU to engage directly with Afghans and international actors. He urged the EU to maintain humanitarian funding and continue investing in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
The UN continues to facilitate dialogue on human rights, governance, and counterterrorism, in line with Security Council Resolution 2721. Progress remains limited and depends on sustained international engagement.
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