Afghanistan has suffered more than 40 years of conflict, natural disasters, chronic poverty and food insecurity. Facing an ongoing humanitarian crisis, the resilience of refugees, internally displaced people and host communities is slowly reaching its limit. The people of Afghanistan have lived with conflict and environmental crisis for more than four decades. Entire generations have never known peace and millions remain displaced.
A humanitarian emergency is unfolding as millions of Afghans are pushed or forcibly returned to Afghanistan against the backdrop of rising hostility.
Amid decades of war, economic collapse, and environmental destruction, Afghanistan is now confronting a deepening crisis as neighbouring countries intensify the forced repatriation of Afghans who had sought refuge across their borders. Following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, millions fled the country, with more than 1.6 million seeking safety in neighbouring Iran and Pakistan.
More than 70% of Afghan refugees are women and children, highlighting the deep vulnerabilities faced by these populations. They now face being forced back to a country on the brink, where nearly half the population relies on humanitarian aid and where there are no guarantees of safety, dignity, or survival.
UNHCR is on the ground and doing everything possible to support civilians, but urgently needs public support to help it reach families in desperate need. UNHCR’s work in Afghanistan focuses on protecting the most vulnerable and assisting newly displaced Afghans with life-saving shelter, food, water and core relief items, both within Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Our work is crucial in supporting the most vulnerable in society, children and young people, who make up some 65% of the Afghan population. Together with our partners, we are committed to staying on the ground and delivering our emergency response as long as we can access those in need.
There are many ways your donation can support someone displaced today.
£35 will provide five sanitary kits including laundry soap, toilet soap and sanitary napkins.
£52 can buy a core relief kit, providing a family with blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and a kitchen set.
For £310 you can provide an emergency shelter kit, including a family tent and plastic tarpaulins.
