Taliban Administration Calls UNICEF’s Humanitarian Aid Needs Report Exaggerated
The Taliban’s Ministry of Economy has described the latest report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which states that 21.9 million people will need humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan in 2026, as “exaggerated.” This comes as UNICEF warns that nearly half of Afghanistan’s population, especially children, is in urgent need.
Abdul Latif Nazari, the Professional Deputy of the Taliban’s Ministry of Economy, said the administration has initiated employment projects aimed at reducing poverty and increasing the purchasing power of families. He emphasized that job creation programs could reduce people’s dependence on foreign aid.
However, in its January report, UNICEF stated that around 21.9 million people in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance in 2026, including more than 11.6 million children. According to the latest assessment, the number of people facing severe food shortages has risen from 14.8 million to 17.4 million, with those in a “very critical” situation increasing from 3.1 million to 4.7 million.
Daniel Timme, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Afghanistan, said that in January 2026 alone, more than 46,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were treated through both inpatient and outpatient services. He added that about 3.7 million children under the age of five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, with approximately one-quarter facing the severe form of the condition.
Despite the Taliban administration’s emphasis on implementing job creation initiatives, international organizations continue to express concern over the expanding poverty and food insecurity in the country. They stress the need for statistical transparency and practical, measurable actions to improve the livelihoods of Afghanistan’s residents.
