Human Rights Watch Warns Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan Is Deepening, Affecting Women and Girls Most

Human Rights Watch Warns Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan Is Deepening, Affecting Women and Girls Most
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Human Rights Watch has warned that Afghanistan’s hunger crisis is worsening, with millions of people facing severe food insecurity while women and girls continue to bear the greatest burden of the country’s escalating humanitarian situation.

According to Farishta Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch, more than 17 million Afghans are expected to experience acute food insecurity this year, while around 22 million people require urgent food assistance and health services.

Abbasi said the sharp decline in international aid has contributed to the worsening crisis, forcing many humanitarian organizations to reduce their programs and limit assistance to the most vulnerable groups due to funding shortages.

She added that the return of around five million Afghan citizens from Iran and Pakistan has placed additional pressure on local communities and already limited humanitarian resources, increasing needs across the country.

The researcher also warned that restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women working with aid organizations and United Nations agencies are affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance, particularly to women and children, and limiting the ability of aid groups to operate effectively.

Human Rights Watch called on Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on women’s rights, including barriers to employment and freedom of movement, and to remove obstacles preventing women from accessing humanitarian aid. The organization warned that continued funding shortages and restrictive policies could leave millions of Afghans without life-saving assistance in the coming months.