International Day of Poverty: Millions in Afghanistan face hunger and unemployment

As the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, millions of citizens in Afghanistan are grappling with severe poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Multiple factors have intensified the poverty crisis in the country, including widespread joblessness, rising food prices, work restrictions on women, climate change, and reduced international aid. The mass return of migrants from Iran and Pakistan has also placed additional strain on the nation’s limited resources.

According to a UN report, over 1.2 million Afghans have returned from these two countries this year alone. The World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have also warned that 19.2 million people, equivalent to 38% of Afghanistan’s population, are expected to face acute food insecurity in the coming winter. Meanwhile, the United Nations notes that inadequate housing is a global issue, affecting over 2.8 billion people worldwide.