UN Urges Investment in Livelihoods for Afghan Families to Reduce Aid Dependence
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that investing in livelihoods and creating job opportunities for Afghan families is essential to reduce reliance on emergency aid and strengthen community resilience.
On Thursday, June 11, OCHA shared images on its X (formerly Twitter) page of families in Bamyan province, highlighting that their primary demand is access to employment. According to the agency, families have a simple message from their doorstep: “We are ready to work, we just need opportunities.”
OCHA emphasized that amid ongoing widespread humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, focusing solely on emergency assistance is not sufficient; investments must be made in livelihood programs so communities can become self-reliant and better withstand crises.
Meanwhile, Georgette Gagnon, acting head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), reported to the UN Security Council that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. According to the report, approximately 21.9 million people in the country will require humanitarian aid in 2026.
The continued economic crisis, extensive restrictions on work and social activities, and the absence of sustainable development programs during the Taliban administration have left millions of Afghans vulnerable economically—a concern repeatedly warned about by international organizations.
