The organization Doctors Without Borders has recently announced that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition seeking treatment at therapeutic nutrition centers in southern Afghanistan has alarmingly increased. In a report, the organization stated that the reduction in international aid, ongoing droughts, and disruptions in the supply of therapeutic foods are among the main factors exacerbating the malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan. In a section of its report, Doctors Without Borders added that from January to April 2026, the number of children with severe malnutrition hospitalized in facilities supported by Doctors Without Borders in southern Afghanistan has increased by more than 30% compared to the average during the same period over the past three years. The report noted that most of these children are under one year of age. Additionally, Ana Lilia Banda, the medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan, stated: "Children come to us when their condition has become very serious and they are facing problems that could have been prevented." She emphasized that this situation indicates a worsening food insecurity and the collapse of early identification and treatment systems for malnutrition in the country. According to the report, the significant reduction in international aid since early 2025 has led to the closure or suspension of 445 health centers, including 203 mobile health and nutrition teams. She mentioned that these centers previously played a crucial role in the early identification of children suffering from malnutrition and in providing medical services. Doctors Without Borders has warned that repeated droughts, decreased agricultural production, and border closures due to regional tensions have further weakened food security and made access to specialized therapeutic foods for children more challenging. The organization has called on financial donors, health officials, and responsible institutions to quickly restore funding for nutrition programs in Afghanistan and ensure the supply of therapeutic foods and medical equipment. This organization has warned that if the current situation continues, more children will be deprived of life-saving services.

The mourning ceremonies for Ashura were held day (Friday, June 26) in several provinces of Afghanistan, widely attended by women, men, and children despite the restrictions imposed by the interim government in mosques and mourning halls. In the Shia-populated areas of Herat, including the Al-Mahdi neighborhood, the Andisheh neighborhood, and the Bakraabad region, people held mourning and chest-beating ceremonies. In Kandahar and Kabul, Shia communities also conducted mourning ceremonies in mosques and mourning halls. This year's Muharram mourning ceremonies, like in previous years, were accompanied by government restrictions. The current government cut telecommunications services in the capital early this morning. The Afghan Shia Ulema Council announced yesterday in a statement that the current government has arrested some mosque and mourning hall officials "for raising mourning symbols." The council's statement mentioned that the interim government has removed flags and mourning symbols from some mosques and Hussainiyas, "contrary to the agreements and resolutions of the designated committee for Muharram." Additionally, people criticized the government's restrictions and called for freedom and respect for religious ceremonies. Some political figures also issued condolence messages on the occasion of Ashura. Hamid Karzai, the former president, posted a message on his X account stating: "Imam Hussein, through a meaningful reform movement, aimed to correct social deviations and invited society to rectify affairs and actions. He stood firm until his last breath for awakening and instilling a sense of responsibility in the people against wrongdoing, leaving behind the historical epic of Karbala." He further emphasized: "The people of Afghanistan, like other Muslims, celebrate Ashura and the Hussaini movement, considering the love for the family of the Prophet Muhammad as a factor of unity and brotherhood among themselves, using this opportunity for reform, enlightenment, and strengthening unity and solidarity." Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation of the previous government, also stated in his message: "Ashura is one of the great and meaningful days in Islamic history, where the lofty values of faith, piety, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance against difficulties have found a lasting manifestation." He clarified: "This day calls Muslims to reflect on religious teachings, strengthen the spirit of solidarity, uphold justice, and adhere to human and Islamic principles." Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, said in a message: "Ashura taught us that standing against oppression is not only a choice but also a faith-based, human, and historical responsibility." It is worth mentioning that as of the publication of this news, there had been no message from officials or spokespersons of the current government regarding Ashura.

Amnesty International has reacted to the widespread restrictions and oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that the world must not forget Afghan women. In a message posted on its X account, the organization emphasized that the rights, dignity, and opportunities of Afghan women must remain at the center of global attention. Amnesty International further asserted that the rights of girls and women are human rights, regardless of where they are in the world. The organization noted that women and girls in Afghanistan have been banned from education beyond the sixth grade, from attending university, participating in recreational and entertainment programs on television, speaking at public gatherings, going to parks, and engaging in sports. Additionally, it stated that women in Afghanistan are not allowed to work in non-governmental organizations and cannot travel more than 72 kilometers without a male guardian. While this organization defends women's rights, the current government has deprived women and girls of education and learning opportunities since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, despite the healthcare sector across Afghanistan facing a shortage of personnel. This government's actions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being denied education and training. Moreover, women have been prohibited from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even at United Nations offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has emphasized the necessity of meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in public life and political decision-making processes. In a statement issued on the occasion of International Women's Day in Diplomacy, the organization stated that the presence and voices of women and girls are vital for achieving sustainable peace, inclusive development, and a bright future for Afghanistan. UNAMA further stressed that ensuring meaningful participation of women and girls in public life and decision-making processes in Afghanistan remains a fundamental necessity. The organization reiterated the importance of providing equal opportunities for Afghan women and girls, stating that they should be able to receive education, lead, and play effective roles in all areas of society, including diplomacy and public services. It is noteworthy that International Women's Day in Diplomacy is celebrated annually on June 24, aiming to highlight the role of women in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international decision-making, as well as to promote their equal participation in international relations. The statement mentioned that female diplomats are not only participants in the field of international relations but also play significant roles as leaders, peace mediators, and advocates for equality, strengthening international cooperation, advancing peace, and shaping inclusive decision-making. The organization added that women contribute to creating a more just, stable, and sustainable world with their knowledge, experience, and perspectives, emphasizing the special importance of their presence in diplomatic and public spheres. It should be noted that the current government has deprived women and girls of education and schooling since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women while the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel. This action by the current government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to pursue education. Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international non-governmental organizations, and even at UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The European Union has recently announced that it is allocating 20 million euros to assist returnees and displaced persons in Afghanistan through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In a statement, the EU indicated that this financial support comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to experience one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world, exacerbated by the high number of returns. Veronika Boscovic Pohar, the head of the EU delegation in Afghanistan, stated, "The European Union remains committed to supporting the reintegration of returnees in Afghanistan and helping them transition from dependency to self-sufficiency." She emphasized that the EU's collaboration with the IOM plays a central role in this effort, noting that since 2022, the EU has contributed over 140 million euros to address the displacement crisis in Afghanistan. Moutia Maskoun, Deputy Head of the IOM Office in Afghanistan, remarked that the EU has been a long-standing partner of the organization in responding to displacement and the return of migrants to Afghanistan. She added, "At a time when millions of Afghan citizens are returning to communities that are already struggling with limited resources and services, this assistance enables the IOM to expand vital support, strengthen livelihoods, support small businesses, and increase access to essential services through social resource centers, helping returnees and host communities build a more resilient future." The EU further noted that its assistance will provide integrated support for returnees, internally displaced persons, and host communities through protective services, health care, psychosocial support, livelihoods, and recovery in high-return areas and provinces. Additionally, the EU delegation stated that this funding will support sustainable reintegration for returnees, particularly women and other vulnerable groups, by providing livelihood support, vocational training, and assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises. According to IOM statistics, from September 2023 to May 2026, over 6.04 million migrants have been expelled from Iran and Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan. The organization's data indicates that in 2025 alone, 2.8 million migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan and entered Afghanistan.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has announced that Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of children suffering from acute malnutrition. In a report published, the organization stated that according to findings by Nancy Serkis in Geneva, approximately 3.7 million children in Afghanistan are expected to face acute malnutrition in 2026, and this situation often leads to the death of children due to delays in accessing treatment. Olga Chervokou, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that humanitarian operations in Afghanistan are facing serious challenges due to severe funding shortages and limited access to remote areas, despite extensive efforts. This UN official warned that with nearly 22 million people in need across Afghanistan, only about 14% of the required $1.7 billion budget has been secured, which has made survival in some areas "impossible." The report also mentions that drought and water scarcity have become one of the main factors for forced displacement in rural areas, especially in Bamiyan province. According to aid workers, many families have been forced to leave their homes due to the drying up of agricultural lands and lack of drinking water, while others remain in extremely difficult conditions due to severe poverty that prevents them from migrating. The report also highlights the situation of thousands of returnees to Afghanistan, stating that many of them enter a country already facing a widespread humanitarian crisis without shelter and basic necessities. According to statistics from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, around 8,000 individuals have been returned to Afghanistan in just one week, up to June 20. Additionally, the report emphasizes that restrictions imposed on women and girls have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and have directly impacted their access to education, healthcare services, and economic opportunities. Aid workers indicate that the shortage of female healthcare workers in many areas, especially in maternal and child care, has become a serious challenge.

The book "Marzieh: A Judge's Fight for Women's Rights in Afghanistan," authored by Marzieh Baba-Karkhil, a judge in the previous government, was unveiled in the British Parliament. Ms. Baba-Karkhil announced this event through a message on her X account. Baba-Karkhil, a judge in the former government and a women's rights activist, intertwines her personal experiences and stories in her book. The Amazon website, which is selling her book, states that it takes the reader on a gripping journey into the harsh realities of life under the Taliban regime following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. In her book, Baba-Karkhil vividly depicts the fear that engulfed many, while also narrating the resilience and determination that propelled her and many others forward. The unveiling of Marzieh Baba-Karkhil's book comes at a time when the current government has deprived women and girls of education and learning opportunities since its takeover of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it has closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, despite the health sector across Afghanistan facing a shortage of personnel. This action by the current government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to pursue education. Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both local and international non-governmental organizations, as well as in UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The United Nations has recently announced that the shortage of female doctors in Afghanistan has turned into a crisis, while the caretaker government has banned girls from attending school. Olga Chervko, a member of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), who recently visited Bamiyan, stated that when a female doctor leaves her position, replacing her is often nearly impossible. She emphasized that this situation severely limits women's and girls' access to lifesaving healthcare, including maternal and newborn care, as well as services related to malnutrition and education. She further added that the restrictions imposed by the current government on girls' education deprive them of future employment opportunities. She said, "All the women I spoke with are deeply concerned about their daughters who can no longer go to school and may have no future." Additionally, a section of the UN website report mentions that water scarcity is the main reason for conflicts among villagers in Bamiyan province. Olga Chervko described the condition of remote villages in Bamiyan as "ghost villages," stating that those who could leave have done so. She said, "In this particular village in Bamiyan that I visited, I was told that about half of the population had left because there is no water for irrigating the fields, and therefore all the crops they used to grow have dried up. Those who could leave have left." According to her, those who remain have no other choice; "They cannot afford to leave." This UN representative stated, "One of the men I met had nine family members. He showed me what they eat for lunch. It was essentially a bowl of something resembling rotten potato peels that had been cooked into a soup just to keep the family alive." Chervko noted that this bitter reality is faced by many of Afghanistan's most vulnerable families, imposed upon them due to climate change, drought, widespread malnutrition, and increasing restrictions on women. The United Nations reports that this year, 22 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance due to the consequences of climate change, poverty, unemployment, migration, and internal displacement.