OCHA warns that a severe funding shortfall threatens humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, leaving millions without essential support and relief services.

In a statement released on Tuesday, May 13, via its official X account, OCHA stated that $1.62 billion is required to meet the basic needs of 12.5 million people across Afghanistan. These individuals will be the primary recipients of humanitarian assistance in 2024.

Given the limited financial resources, OCHA has selected only 145 out of 401 vulnerable districts in Afghanistan as high-priority zones for aid delivery. This decision is part of the UN’s broader effort to manage scarce resources more effectively and focus on the most at-risk communities.

OCHA also noted that there remains uncertainty about the availability of necessary funding for Afghanistan’s humanitarian operations in 2025. This funding gap threatens to deepen the crisis if not addressed through international donor support.

Experts warn that without sufficient international attention and aid, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate rapidly, particularly in underserved regions. The reduction in funding comes at a time when global crises are competing for donor attention, further complicating relief efforts in Afghanistan.

The United Nations has called on the global community to renew its commitment to Afghanistan, stressing that early intervention and sustained support are essential to prevent further human suffering and ensure stability in the region.

An American expert warns that China is seeking to dominate Afghanistan’s untapped rare earth resources to strengthen regional influence and control.

In an article published on Sunday, May 11, in the Washington Times, Worden argued that the shutdown of USIP weakens U.S. soft power globally and accelerates the expansion of Chinese and Russian influence.

Worden, who previously managed the Afghanistan and Central Asia programs at USIP, stated that China’s growing investments in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative make the closure of USIP a “gift” to Beijing. He emphasized that Afghanistan is crucial for connecting China’s interests in Pakistan and Central Asia.

China has already made significant infrastructure investments in Pakistan, and its presence in Central Asia, including in sectors like trade, energy, and infrastructure, has been expanding. Worden noted that China is focused on exploiting rare earth elements, which are abundant in Afghanistan but yet to be fully mined, to bolster its regional influence.

The closure of the U.S. Institute of Peace marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan, potentially paving the way for increased Chinese influence. Worden’s remarks underscore the ongoing strategic competition in the region, as Beijing seeks to exploit Afghanistan’s untapped resources to further its ambitions. The move also highlights the broader geopolitical contest for influence in Central Asia and the Middle East.

A UNDP report reveals 90% of Afghan households faced economic shocks in 2024, exacerbating the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

A recent report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights that 90% of Afghan households are facing an economic shock in 2024 due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The report indicates that 65% of households have been directly impacted by this shock, with a 35% increase compared to 2023. The report warns that Afghanistan is sliding deeper into socio-economic crises, with widening inequalities, especially for women and rural areas.

The European Union’s delegation in Kabul also expressed concerns, noting that the restrictions imposed on women and girls between 2024 and 2026 could cause a loss of over $920 million to Afghanistan’s economy. These limitations continue to exacerbate the country’s economic and social challenges, further undermining progress in key sectors.

According to the UN report, 9 out of 10 Afghan households have lost their productive assets, income sources, livelihoods, and job opportunities. This widespread loss has led families to cut down on daily consumption and reduce expenditures, decreasing their resilience to future shocks and deepening their vulnerability.

In addition to these challenges, Afghanistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a modest growth of 2.7% from 2023 to 2024, marking the first positive growth since 2019. However, the report highlights that Afghanistan’s economy remains fragile, with a significant trade deficit of $6.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, up from $5.1 billion during the same period in 2023.

The UNDP also emphasizes that Afghanistan remains heavily reliant on imports and international aid, with 75% of the population facing food insecurity in 2024. This figure represents a 6% increase from 2023, with rural areas—home to 71% of the population—continuing to suffer from a lack of essential services, including healthcare, sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods.

As the situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen, the UNDP urges international actors to increase support to help mitigate the devastating impact of the ongoing crisis. The report also highlights the critical need for targeted assistance for women-headed households, rural communities, and internally displaced populations, who have been hit hardest by the economic downturn.

The report further stresses the importance of addressing gender disparities, with women continuing to face increasing poverty and social isolation due to the continued restrictions on education and employment opportunities. The future of Afghanistan’s economy and society depends on effective, inclusive policies and inclusive government and international cooperation to address these persistent challenges.