Afghan women and girls face escalating protection risks, including gender-based violence, amid growing restrictions under the Taliban, according to a new report by the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
Citing findings from the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme Standing Committee’s 92nd meeting, the ICVA, a global network of 150 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in 160 countries, reported that over 22 million Afghans remain in need of humanitarian assistance in 2025—53% of them children and 25% women.
The report highlights the impact of Taliban-imposed restrictions on women, particularly the December 2024 reaffirmation of the ban on female humanitarian aid workers. It states that these policies have further hindered the delivery of life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations.
“Increasing restrictions on women and girls, including the December 2024 reiteration of a ban on female humanitarian aid workers, continue to hamper aid reaching the most vulnerable,” the report states. “Women and girls also face heightened protection risks, including gender-based violence.”
Despite these challenges, the humanitarian sector continues to operate, providing critical aid to millions of Afghans. The ICVA called on the international community to maintain engagement with the Taliban, including through the Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), to ensure aid delivery.
The ICVA urged donor governments not to withdraw support due to Taliban-imposed restrictions, emphasizing that humanitarian organizations and the Afghan people should not bear the consequences of political decisions.
“We also urge the international community not to use the news of additional restrictions by the authorities as cause for withdrawal of necessary support for humanitarian organizations and the Afghan people,” the report said.
The report also stressed the need for long-term solutions, including third-country resettlement options for Afghan refugees.
“Without sustained investments, Afghans remain trapped in a vicious cycle of emergencies,” the report warned.
According to the ICVA, Iran currently hosts over 4.5 million Afghans, while Pakistan shelters more than 3.1 million.
The report noted that Iran announced plans in September 2024 to deport two million Afghans, forcing thousands to return to Afghanistan despite limited reintegration opportunities and worsening economic conditions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has intensified deportations, leading to further displacement and instability.
The report underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect Afghan women, refugees, and vulnerable populations at a time of deepening humanitarian and human rights crises.
