An estimated 23 million Afghans, more than half the population, now require life-saving assistance. Decades of conflict, economic collapse, climate shocks, and a breakdown in basic services have left the country in deep crisis. Taliban-imposed restrictions, especially on women’s rights, have further worsened the situation.
The humanitarian emergency was central to discussions this week in Brussels at the EU Senior Officials Meeting on Afghanistan (16–17 June), where the UN’s Deputy Special Representative, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, urged international support.
Shrinking aid, rising needs
In recent months, international aid flows have slowed considerably. In Afghanistan, this has led to the closure of more than 400 health clinics and 400 acute malnutrition centres, as well as about 300 clinics for survivors of gender-based violence.
“This dramatic reduction in aid is already impacting the lives of Afghans – people are dying as a result,” Mr. Ratwatte warned. “We are now forced to prioritise among the most vulnerable of the vulnerable.”
“This also has a knock on effect on the investments made. The return on investment of resources being put so far into making communities more resilient is going to be undermined, and we will see a backtracking on the gains we have achieved,” the UN’s top official for Afghanistan said.
A climate and development emergency
Afghanistan is the world’s sixth most impacted country by climate change, suffering from repeated droughts and floods. With 70 percent of its population reliant on agriculture, water scarcity is devastating. “In remote villages, children walk miles each day to fetch water, time they should be spending in school,” Ratwatte noted.
The UN stresses the need to transition from emergency relief to long-term resilience, supporting farmers with seeds and irrigation, restoring health systems, and investing in education, especially for girls who are barred from school.
Youth and returnees at risk
Around one million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan last year, arriving in communities already under strain.
“When you look at the demographics, 70 percent of returnees are young people. These are often young men, if they have no opportunities or hope, they are more prone to radicalisation, and this is also an issue of concern,” Ratwatte continued.
Afghan women still leading
The situation for Afghan women and girls remains dire. Girls are banned from secondary and tertiary education, and women face severe restrictions on employment and mobility. Yet Afghan women continue to lead, adapt, and innovate wherever they can.
The number of women-led small and medium enterprises has grown from 2,400 in 2021 to over 10,000 today, despite enormous challenges. These women are producing carpets, dried fruit, textiles, and more, but face immense hurdles in accessing finance, training, and markets. The UN and its partners are supporting their efforts through for example business training, and market facilitation.
The EU’s role
The EU is now Afghanistan’s largest donor and one of the few international actors on the ground. “That presence gives the EU credibility, direct access to Afghans , the UN and the opportunity to engage with the authorities,” said Ratwatte.
He urged the EU to protect humanitarian funding and maintain support for critical investments in health, food systems, and education, especially in the face of competing global crises.
Ratwatte mentioned that “without this, the country risks falling further into vulnerability, bringing with it increased out migration, the threat of terrorism, and the growth of illicit economies such as narcotics.”
A turning point
The UN continues to facilitate political dialogue focused on human rights, inclusive governance, and counterterrorism, as outlined in Security Council Resolution 2721. But progress is slow and depends on sustained engagement.
The choices made by the international community in the coming months especially by influential actors like the EU, will shape the country’s long-term trajectory.
“Despite the many challenges,” Ratwatte concluded, “a committed network of national partners, international organizations, and the UN family continues to reach communities across Afghanistan, including women and girls. We can access any place in Afghanistan today, and remain determined to supporting those most in need.”
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