KABUL, Afghanistan — More than 12 million Afghan children will need humanitarian assistance in 2025, part of a larger crisis that will leave 22.9 million people in need across the country, according to a report from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
The report paints a grim picture of Afghanistan’s humanitarian outlook, noting that the drivers of need have shifted from conflict to economic hardship, climate-induced shocks, and significant operational barriers.
“A combination of politics and policy has upended the lives of children and their families across Afghanistan,” UNICEF said, adding that women and girls continue to face severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms.
UNICEF highlighted the growing challenges of providing aid, as the operational space for humanitarian organizations continues to shrink due to increasing impediments. Essential services, it stressed, are critical to preventing further deterioration for vulnerable children.
“The lack of investment, particularly in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), has exacerbated humanitarian needs and prevented communities from building resilience against climate and economic shocks,” the report stated.
Children remain at the center of Afghanistan’s multi-faceted crisis, the report noted, bearing the brunt of political upheaval, natural disasters such as floods, landslides, droughts, and earthquakes, as well as the ongoing effects of climate change. The mounting restrictions on women and girls have further heightened protection risks and humanitarian needs within families.
“Humanitarian needs across all sectors have expanded since 2021, reflecting a lack of resilience among vulnerable communities and the consequences of reduced investment in meeting basic human needs,” the report said.
To address the escalating crisis, UNICEF announced it requires $1.2 billion to support 19 million people in Afghanistan, including 10.3 million children. The funds would be used to deliver lifesaving assistance and basic services aimed at sustaining communities and preventing further decline.
