3.22 million people were internally displaced by the end of 2023, having fled their homes in search of refuge. Many children are out of school, the health care system is collapsing, fundamental rights of women and girls are under threat, farmers and herders are struggling amidst the climate crisis, and the economy is in free fall.
Half of Afghanistan’s population experiences acute hunger. Conflict has subsided, but violence, fear, and deprivation remain. Afghanistan continues to grapple with multiple humanitarian crises, deteriorating human rights (particularly for girls and women), economic instability, and severe climate shocks.
Afghanistan continues to host 1.46 million IDP returnees, some 76,000 refugees who returned in 2023, and over 52,000 refugees. These groups urgently require both immediate protection and humanitarian assistance, as well as livelihoods support.
More than half of the population of the country is currently dependent on life-saving and essential humanitarian assistance. This includes many internally displaced people, who often live in makeshift settlements under difficult conditions.
UNHCR’s unrelenting focus is upon millions of highly vulnerable people affected by forced displacement inside Afghanistan, particularly 3.22 million internally-displaced Afghans (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, and the IDP and refugee voluntary returnees.
UNHCR encourages cash for IDPs to meet their needs and empower people in need to access essential services, including healthcare.
