UN Warns of Afghanistan’s Massive Displacement Crisis

DID Press: UN has warned that Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest displacement crises, driven by decades of conflict, widespread poverty, drought, natural disasters and the return of millions of migrants.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan said fragile economic and social conditions, climate pressures, the return of 2.7 million migrants, and declining participation of women have made daily life and public service delivery increasingly difficult.

During a three-day visit to Kabul, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi stressed the need to strengthen resilience and develop long-term solutions to Afghanistan’s ongoing crises.

De Croo said Afghanistan’s challenges are interconnected, with poverty, conflict, climate change and natural disasters simultaneously affecting millions of people.

After visiting earthquake-affected areas in eastern Afghanistan, he said poverty has become a severe reality for many Afghans, noting that around 74 percent of the population, or nearly 29 million people, are unable to meet basic needs.

According to the 2026 annual internal displacement report, around 7 million people in Afghanistan were internally displaced last year due to prolonged conflicts and natural disasters, accounting for nearly half of all internally displaced people recorded in South Asia in 2025.

Meanwhile, Grandi highlighted restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, saying sustainable development would not be possible without their participation. He added that restrictions preventing Afghan women working with UN agencies have reduced the organization’s ability to deliver assistance to communities.