A new report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that Afghanistan is facing overlapping and severe crises, as millions of people continue returning to the country despite widespread poverty and failing essential services.
According to the report, decades of conflict, economic decline, and climate disasters have “eroded local resilience, leaving most households unable to meet even their most basic needs,” a situation the agency described as “a perfect storm”.
The UNDP stated that the scale of displacement has sharply accelerated since 2023. Emphasising the pressure on communities, the report states that “More than 4.5 million people have returned to Afghanistan since September 2023,” swelling the population and stretching already fragile support systems.
The influx continued into this year; more than 2.3 million Afghans have returned in 2025 alone, many forcibly, increasing competition for necessities.
Their arrival has “increased competition for jobs, water, and housing,” pushing host communities “to the limit of their capacity.”
Unemployment remains one of the most urgent concerns. In some areas, returnee joblessness “ranged from 80 to 95%,” leaving families with few options for survival.
Skilled workers interviewed for the report said, “We have skills but no money to start a business.”
Households are increasingly relying on desperate measures. Across high-return districts, 90% of households report negative coping strategies, including borrowing, meal reduction, or selling assets. According to the report
Basic infrastructures are also failing under pressure. UNDP found that over half of returnee households (55%) are being forced to skip healthcare so they can afford food, while many rely on open springs or unprotected wells as water sources dry up.
On Wednesday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned on X that refugee returns from Pakistan “continue, averaging 7,000 per day,” and called for urgent support as winter approaches.
AnewZ attempted to reach Afghan authorities for comment but has not received a response.
The report concludes with a warning that “Urgent action is needed now,” emphasising that Afghans “are not passive recipients of aid but agents of recovery.”
China has issued its highest-level rainstorm warning as Typhoon Bavi approaches the country’s eastern coast, prompting large-scale evacuations and e...
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has promised to avenge the killing of his father, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran and Washingto...
A Miami-based tycoon wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Donald Trump’s son-in-law ...
A Miami-based tycoon wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner wants to build a controversial multi-billion dollar resort, the country’s organised crime agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
Turkish prosecutors have ordered the detention of 36 people, including the mayor of an Ankara district controlled by the main opposition, over alleged bribery and tender-rigging.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering British politician Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, UK police have said.
Israel's decision to recognise the so-called Armenian genocide has triggered diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan, one of its closest strategic partners.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
A Miami-based tycoon wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner wants to build a controversial multi-billion dollar resort, the country’s organised crime agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering British politician Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, UK police have said.
Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Ukraine’s capital early on Saturday, injuring at least 10 people, officials said. The attack came as Kyiv faces a shortage of air defence munitions while awaiting fresh supplies to counter Russian strikes.
The remains of 10 victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide were carried to the Potočari Memorial Cemetery in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday ahead of their burial during the 31st anniversary commemoration.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 11 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment