34 million Afghans live in poverty under Taliban rule

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reported that the number of Afghans living in poverty has nearly doubled to 34 million after the fall of the US-backed government and the Taliban’s takeover. This means an approximate 85% of the population now live in dire poverty.

According to the report, the lack of foreign subsidies and cuts in aid programs, along with the Taliban’s restrictions on aid and NGOs, have worsened the situation.

In December of last year, the Taliban government issued a directive that forbade Afghan women from working for NGOs that still provided crucial assistance in the country. Recently, this restriction was expanded to include UN female employees, which has left the organization with a difficult decision regarding whether to proceed with its aid programs.

The UN has warned that the reduction in aid and economic opportunities may lead to even greater hardships for impoverished Afghans.

The report adds that the UN’s appeal for Afghanistan has raised only 5% of its $4.6 billion goal.

It should be mentioned that the situation has forced many Afghans to sell their homes, land, or assets that generate income, while others have had to resort to turning their children into laborers and young daughters into brides.