UN Issues Triple Warning Over Afghanistan’s Worsening Crisis: Drought, Returning Migrants, and Severe Funding Shortfalls

UN Issues Triple Warning Over Afghanistan’s Worsening Crisis: Drought, Returning Migrants, and Severe Funding Shortfalls
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The United Nations has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, saying the simultaneous impact of widespread drought, the mass return of migrants, and a sharp decline in international aid is posing a serious threat to social stability and livelihoods across the country.

In a warning message, the UN described the situation as a “triple crisis” driven by severe drought, large-scale migrant returns, and a critical lack of funding for humanitarian programs. According to Ariana News, the convergence of these factors has placed unprecedented strain on Afghanistan’s humanitarian infrastructure and social services.

The UN humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan said in a video message that around 70 percent of the population, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, have been directly affected by drought. This has worsened food insecurity in many regions and pushed numerous families into extreme poverty.

Ariana News also reported that the return of about 2.5 million Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran, combined with a global financial slowdown, has significantly reduced the capacity of aid agencies to meet urgent needs. The influx has further strained health, housing, employment, and social services.

The UN said only 37 percent of the required funding for its Afghanistan humanitarian response plan has been secured, leading to the closure of 400 health centers and depriving more than three million people of basic healthcare. Additionally, 300 nutrition centers have shut down, affecting over 80,000 vulnerable people, especially children and breastfeeding mothers.

The World Food Programme described Afghanistan’s malnutrition crisis as “heartbreaking,” warning that up to five million women and children could face severe malnutrition next year, with nearly four million children needing urgent treatment.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the large-scale return of migrants in 2025 has further weakened Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian conditions.

Despite the challenges, the UN expressed hope for improvement in 2026, particularly for women and girls, stressing that restoring health, education, and social support programs is vital to saving lives and achieving lasting stability.