KABUL: Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with three out of every four people unable to meet their basic needs, according to a senior United Nations official who has called for greater international support to help the country recover from successive emergencies.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo said the scale of hardship across Afghanistan remains alarming, with millions of people struggling to access essential services and maintain their livelihoods.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, De Croo said he recently visited Afghanistan’s eastern provinces as well as areas affected by the recent devastating earthquake to assess conditions on the ground and evaluate how the United Nations could strengthen its support for affected communities.
During the visit, the UNDP chief met with local residents and humanitarian teams to better understand the challenges faced by families recovering from natural disasters while also coping with long-standing economic and humanitarian difficulties.
De Croo emphasized that Afghanistan continues to face one crisis after another, leaving millions of people in increasingly vulnerable conditions. He noted that widespread poverty, repeated emergencies, and limited access to basic resources have significantly worsened living conditions across the country.
He stressed that while emergency humanitarian assistance remains essential for saving lives, long-term development is equally important to help communities rebuild their futures, restore livelihoods, and reduce dependence on aid.
According to the UNDP administrator, sustainable development initiatives—including support for local economies, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities—are critical to enabling Afghans to recover from years of conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters.
Alexander De Croo arrived in Kabul on an official visit alongside a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The delegation is reviewing the country’s humanitarian situation, relief operations, and ongoing efforts to assist communities affected by recent crises.
The visit comes as Afghanistan continues to grapple with multiple challenges, including economic hardship, displacement, recurring natural disasters, and growing humanitarian needs. International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that millions of Afghans remain dependent on humanitarian assistance and that continued global support is essential to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.
United Nations officials have reiterated that while emergency aid addresses immediate needs, long-term investment in recovery and development will be crucial for helping Afghanistan’s people build resilience and achieve sustainable progress.
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