UN Warns Afghanistan Crisis Is Deepening as Aid Cuts Shut Lifesaving Services
UN briefers told the Security Council that mounting access curbs on women are crippling a response already strained by funding cuts.
Overview
- UN officials said nearly 22 million people will need assistance in 2026, placing Afghanistan among the world’s largest emergencies.
- Food insecurity has risen for the first time in four years, with 17.4 million people now facing hunger.
- More than 300 nutrition sites have closed, leaving 1.1 million children without lifesaving treatment, while 422 health facilities shut in 2025 cut off care for 3 million people.
- Over 2.6 million Afghans returned in 2025—more than 4 million in two years—with 60 percent of returnees identified as women and children.
- Restrictions bar female national UN staff from entering UN premises nationwide since September, which UN officials said is crippling aid delivery.