The United Nations has issued a new warning that, as winter approaches, 15.9 million people in Afghanistan are facing severe food insecurity at crisis levels or worse.
In a report, the UN said vulnerable families are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The report states that humanitarian aid is essential to saving lives, but sustained investment in livelihoods and basic services is also crucial to strengthening families’ ability to cope with crises.
According to assessments by UN agencies, the number of people facing severe food insecurity is expected to rise to 19.2 million during the winter season, from November 2026 to April 2027.
The report says that around five million of them will face emergency levels of hunger.
Another section of the report addresses the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said many women in Afghanistan have lost hope and are living in an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.
Criticizing the restrictions, Guterres said that the laws in force in Afghanistan have formalized the systematic exclusion of women and girls from public life.
He stressed that the United Nations would not allow gender discrimination to be normalized anywhere in the world.
The UN said its staff across Afghanistan, together with partners, continue to provide humanitarian assistance and life-saving services, and remain committed to supporting the people of the country.
The secretary-general called for an immediate end to violence, respect for the rights of all people in Afghanistan, and compliance with the country’s international commitments and agreements.
