The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says Afghanistan continues to face one of the most severe humanitarian challenges in the world.
In a report released on Monday (December 23), the organization said limited livelihoods, persistent unemployment and restricted access to healthcare have pushed many families to the brink of survival.
According to the ICRC, the most vulnerable groups – including malnourished children, the elderly, people with disabilities, female-headed households and daily wage workers – are being disproportionately affected by the crisis.
The organization said natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts and floods, along with climate change, have destroyed agricultural production, displaced families and damaged homes and critical infrastructure. These factors have worsened food insecurity, weakened local response capacities and intensified humanitarian needs.
The ICRC also pointed to the deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, warning that their return has increased pressure on already strained services, including healthcare, water supply, food and other essential sectors.
Overall, the organization said Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis is driven by economic instability, climate shocks, displacement, economic sanctions and a decline in international engagement.
The ICRC stressed that life-saving assistance, sustained efforts to restore livelihoods, addressing the root causes of the crisis and building resilience in Afghanistan remain essential.
The organization said it has provided assistance to people across Afghanistan in 2025, focusing on strengthening community resilience. its support has included access to safe drinking water, electricity supply, healthcare services, livelihood support, mitigation of explosive hazards and physical rehabilitation.
The ICRC added that it has assisted returnees and earthquake-affected communities and, in cooperation with the Taliban’s prison authorities, visited 12 detention facilities. It said it conducted private interviews with detainees and held discussions with Taliban officials on detention conditions and possible improvements.
