UNDP report warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan linked to mass returns

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.” 

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