Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest displacement crises, intensified by ongoing poverty, drought, earthquakes, and a fragile economy following four decades of conflict, according to a socioeconomic review by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Afghanistan.
In the past year, an earthquake has caused significant destruction of homes and livelihoods. Around 74% of the population—an estimated 29 million people—struggle to meet basic needs.
UNDP chief Alexander De Croo and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih visited returnee communities and partner organizations to highlight efforts supporting displaced and host populations in rebuilding and recovery.
Their visit included areas like Jalalabad, home to many earthquake-affected people, and the Sutan Valley, where recovery is visible through flood protection and irrigation projects. Community members are involved in building wire mesh, brick-making, and other activities to reduce disaster risks, improve farmland protection, and create jobs.
A UN Special Trust Fund-supported project was launched last year in northeastern Afghanistan to provide durable solutions by expanding access to housing, essential services, economic opportunities, and living conditions for hosts, returnees, and internally displaced people. Key achievements include clearing mine-contaminated land, launching small-scale infrastructure projects, and identifying households for permanent housing support.