Afghanistan

Overview

Afghanistan is affected by insecurity, infrastructure decay, and economic stagnation caused by decades of conflict, recurring natural hazards, and protracted and multiple displacement.

In recent years, the conflict between Afghan Security Forces, the Taliban, and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has intensified. Violent attacks, armed clashes, and aerial and ground engagements have severely impacted civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and roads. Since 2014, there have been more than 10,000 civilian deaths and injuries per year in Afghanistan, with those living in the provinces of Kabul, Nangarhar, and Helmand at highest risk.?

Afghanistan is extremely prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, droughts, and floods. Seasonal flooding in early 2019 affected 300,000 people and drought in 2018-2019 devastated the agricultural sector, leading to severe food and livelihood needs for 3.9 million people.?

Approximately 4.1 million people displaced since 2012 remain displaced from their village of origin. The largest IDP hosting areas are in the north, northeast, and eastern provinces, where conflict is most active. More than half of IDPs live in provincial capitals, where public services are strained and struggling to cope. Additionally, a high number of returnees from neighbouring countries have put pressure on local and international response. In 2019, nearly 500,000 Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan. The top provinces of returnees from Pakistan are Kandahar and Nangarhar. For returnees from Iran, the provinces of Herat and Takhar are the top destinations.?

INFORM indicates Afghanistan’s risk of humanitarian crisis is very high with a score of 8/10. This is due to the country’s high hazard exposure and vulnerability.?

Latest Developments

During a planned three-day ceasefire for Eid al Adha seven instances of violence killing 32 people were observed countrywide. From January to June, despite a 13% decrease in civilian casualties as compared to last year, the Afghanistan war remains one of the deadliest conflicts in the world for civilians.?