KABUL — The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that in February 2025, there were seven incidents of violence targeting humanitarian personnel, assets, and facilities in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule.
According to OCHA, these incidents led to the detention of five humanitarian workers, including two female staff members, and included warnings issued to aid workers regarding compliance with the Taliban’s morality laws.
The report highlighted that interference in humanitarian operations remained a major challenge in 2025, with 50 access-related incidents recorded in February alone.
“De facto authorities (Taliban) directly interfered in a significant number of these incidents,” OCHA stated, adding that the freeze on international funding had further hampered humanitarian efforts across Afghanistan.
The reported interference included delays in signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), unannounced inspections by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV), suspension of humanitarian activities, restrictions on staff recruitment, requests for sensitive data, including staff lists, salary details, and procurement information.
OCHA reported 70 access-related incidents in February, a 51 percent decrease from the previous month and a 56 percent decline compared to February 2024. However, the U.N. agency cautioned that this decline does not indicate improved conditions but rather reflects underreporting, as many humanitarian offices remained closed and operations were suspended.
“Since fewer offices were operational, fewer incidents were reported,” OCHA said, noting that the Southeastern, Southern, and Central regions were most affected.
Ongoing military operations following border clashes in February led to the temporary suspension of health services in some areas, OCHA said. Additionally, flash floods and severe weather conditions further disrupted aid distribution, preventing workers from reaching vulnerable populations.
