The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning regarding the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
According to a recent statement, 14.8 million people in the country are currently facing food insecurity, with 3.1 million of them experiencing emergency-level conditions.
With the arrival of Ramadan, the situation has become even more dire, with millions of Afghans now uncertain about where their next meal will come from. OCHA has underscored the urgent need for $1.09 billion to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the Afghan population. However, the international response has been severely lacking, with only $9.9 million secured to date, a mere fraction of the required amount.
The humanitarian crisis has been further compounded by the political and economic instability that followed the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. In November 2024, OCHA reported that 23.7 million people, including 9.2 million children, remain in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite OCHA’s appeal for $3.1 billion in humanitarian funding for 2024, only $1.15 billion were received, a significant shortfall that severely hampered relief efforts.
Compounding the challenges, the United States, one of the largest contributors of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, has suspended all foreign aid since the new U.S. President took office in January 2025. This decision has had a devastating impact on humanitarian operations, as U.S. funding has historically been critical in supporting food, healthcare and education programs.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump linked the resumption of aid to Afghanistan to the return of military equipment left in the country following the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The Taliban, however, has refused to comply with this demand, creating a stalemate that further delays the delivery of much needed assistance.
The suspension of U.S. aid, coupled with the lack of contributions from other donors, has left humanitarian organizations struggling to address the overwhelming needs of the Afghan people. The situation remains dire, with millions at risk of starvation and without access to basic necessities, underscoring the urgent need for increased international support and funding.
At the Astana International Forum, senior officials from Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan held talks to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade, economic collaboration, and regional stability.
Afghanistan is ramping up its regional diplomatic efforts, aiming to bolster both economic and security ties across Asia.
The World Food Programme has issued a stark warning over Afghanistan’s deepening hunger crisis, urgently appealing for $555 million to continue life-saving food assistance for millions at risk.
Afghanistan is stepping up calls for international climate support as NEPA chief Mawlawi Matiulhaq Khalis leads talks on rising food insecurity and water shortages, warning of severe environmental threats including Kabul’s looming groundwater crisis.
China has restated its steadfast support for Pakistan during high-level talks in Beijing, even as it calls for peaceful resolution of conflicts and enhanced regional cooperation in South Asia, where tensions have been on the rise.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 1st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
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More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 1st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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