Summary
A report by the United Nations shows that nine out of ten Afghan families are either going hungry or incurring debt, mainly due to a large number of people returning to the country from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. The economic situation in Afghanistan is worsened by aid cuts, sanctions, natural disasters, and limited opportunities especially for women. The UN calls for urgent support to help Afghans with income opportunities, housing, and basic services.
Key Facts
- Nine out of ten Afghan families face hunger or increasing debt.
- Afghanistan is dealing with 4.5 million returning people since 2023.
- About 1.5 million people returned this year from Pakistan and Iran due to expulsion efforts.
- Many returnee families skip medical care in order to buy food.
- Over 90% of returnees have taken on debt, with monthly incomes around $100.
- Returnees struggle to find housing as rent prices have increased threefold.
- Women's participation in the workforce has dropped to 6%.
- The UN calls for urgent support to ease pressures on practical resources like income and housing.
