Over 5 Million Returnees to Afghanistan Prompt Urgent Shelter Needs

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that since 2023, more than five million people have returned to Afghanistan; this number is expected to reach 2.78 million in 2025 alone. This trend has significantly increased the urgent need to provide adequate shelter for vulnerable families.

According to the report, many returnees have come back under conditions where the service infrastructure and basic facilities in several provinces are unable to accommodate such a large population. Shortage of standard housing, lack of suitable land for settlement, and limited access to essential services are cited as major challenges.

Urban experts warn that neglecting urgent shelter needs could further worsen the humanitarian situation in various regions. They emphasize that addressing this issue “cannot be postponed” and requires serious coordination between aid agencies and the Taliban administration.

Meanwhile, several aid organizations state that without a clear plan and effective management by the Taliban administration for land distribution and organization of residential areas, humanitarian efforts will not achieve the desired results. The increase in returnees, alongside widespread poverty, has placed additional pressure on families who were already struggling with economic difficulties and lack of adequate shelter.