Widespread Poverty Threatens Afghanistan’s Economic Future, UNICEF Warns
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported in its annual review that despite a decrease in inflation and positive GDP growth, Afghanistan’s economic outlook remains overshadowed by widespread and persistent poverty. The agency cautioned that although economic growth has been positive since 2023 and similar growth is forecast for 2026 and 2027, the Middle East crisis could negatively impact this trend.
Tajuddin Yowali, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, stated that the organization views the situation of children and families as a whole and does not consider poverty merely as a lack of income but also includes access to social services. He noted that nearly 2.5 million Afghans returned last year, placing heavy pressure on social services and increasing the need for greater support for children.
The report also expressed concern over the ongoing restrictions on education for girls beyond the sixth grade and the limited participation of women in the workforce, including female employees in UN-related agencies. UNICEF emphasized that these conditions further weaken families’ access to income sources and basic services. According to the agency’s statistics, 23.2 million people, including 11.7 million children, required humanitarian assistance last year.
Additionally, the report highlights that nearly 2.8 million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries. It mentions that over 118,000 individuals were affected by natural disasters, while detailed 2025 statistics show 18,137 people impacted. According to the same data, 90% of children are living in food poverty, one in five children is engaged in hard labor, 2.2 million girls are deprived of education beyond the sixth grade, 189 children have fallen victim to explosive remnants, and 400,000 people are grappling with climate crises.
UNICEF added that nearly a quarter of the population lacks access to primary healthcare, and the nutritional situation in ten provinces, including Helmand, Daikundi, Zabul, and Baghlan, is critical. The report states that acute child malnutrition rates dropped from 9.6% in late 2025 to 8.5% in early 2026, but child food insecurity increased from 81% to 85%.
In response, the Taliban’s Ministry of Economy confirmed the reduction in inflation rates and GDP growth and said that despite regional tensions, efforts have been made to keep the prices of essential goods and fuel stable in domestic markets. Abdullatif Nazari, the ministry’s professional deputy, described maintaining price stability as a key measure.
However, international agencies see the ongoing educational and occupational restrictions on women and girls, combined with the pressures of returnees and natural disasters, as fundamental challenges. Without a policy review by the Taliban administration, these issues could seriously threaten the future of Afghan children and the country’s social stability.
