The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that opium production in Afghanistan is still 93% lower than in 2022, but it has increased by about 30% in 2024.

In its latest report, published on Wednesday, November 27, the UNODC notes that the level of opium production in Afghanistan has remained low for the second consecutive year.

According to the report, opium production in Afghanistan dropped by 93% after the Taliban imposed a ban on poppy cultivation. However, production in 2024 has increased by 30% compared to 2023.

The UN report shows that opium production in 2024 reached 433 tons, marking a 30% increase in production volume. Additionally, 12,800 hectares of land were used for poppy cultivation this year, representing a 19% increase in the area cultivated compared to 2023.

The value of the opium produced in 2024 is estimated at $260 million, reflecting a 130% increase from the previous year.

Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UNODC, stated that “international efforts must be coordinated to ensure that this reduction does not lead to the production of other dangerous drugs like methamphetamine within Afghanistan or the region.”

She also emphasized the need to support rural communities dependent on poppy cultivation by investing in infrastructure, agricultural resources, and sustainable livelihoods to provide legal and economic alternatives.

The increase in opium production in 2024 is concerning, especially in the context of international efforts to combat drug trafficking and addiction. The rise in opium value also suggests that the country’s drug trade remains a major challenge.

To effectively reduce opium production, there must be long-term solutions that address both the economic needs of farmers and the broader regional impact of drug production. Investment in legal alternatives and infrastructure could help transition rural communities away from illicit crop cultivation.

The Federation for Immigration Reform in the U.S. has reported a significant increase in the number of Afghan migrants crossing a key immigration passage at the Panama-Colombia border in their attempt to reach the U.S.

According to the report, which was published on Tuesday, November 26, the number of Afghan migrants has increased from 98 individuals between 2010 and 2020 to 8,294 individuals between 2021 and 2024.

This sharp increase in migration to the United States has occurred during the period of Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

Following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, international reports indicate that over eight million people have fled Afghanistan. This unprecedented “mass migration” has been described as a major humanitarian crisis.

The Federation for Immigration Reform in the U.S. also highlighted the trend of increased migration through the Darien Gap over the past four years (2021-2024) compared to the previous decade (2010-2020).

The report particularly expressed concern about migrants from Afghanistan and China. There has been increased concern about Afghan migrants in the U.S. after American forces thwarted a terrorist attack by an Afghan national during the U.S. elections.

Some U.S. senators are worried that the Chinese government might be using migrants as a means of espionage within the country.

The rise in Afghan migration can be seen as part of a broader trend of displacement caused by conflict, political instability, and economic hardship in many regions of the world. As the number of Afghan refugees continues to grow, the international community faces a pressing challenge in providing adequate support and ensuring that migrants are treated with dignity and respect.

The issue also raises important questions about migration policies and security concerns, particularly in the U.S., where the increasing number of migrants from countries like Afghanistan and China has prompted discussions about national security. Moving forward, there needs to be a balance between humanitarian aid and security measures to address both the needs of refugees and the safety concerns of host nations.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has announced that the plan to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan will be approved in the next two days.

The report was based on statements from Imangali Tasmagambetov, the Secretary-General of the CSTO.

Previously, the Secretary-General had mentioned that the draft plan to reinforce the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan had been reviewed and agreed upon by the CSTO member states.

He emphasized that this plan plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of Central Asia as a whole, adding that the decision to develop this plan was made 13 years ago.

According to a report by RIA Novosti, the plan includes several stages, such as clarifying capabilities, practical implementation, full deployment along the border, and the possibility of adjusting weapon ranges for several years.

The strengthening of the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border reflects growing concerns over regional security, especially following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan.

This initiative comes as part of the CSTO’s broader efforts to address instability in Central Asia, which has been exacerbated by the potential flow of refugees and militants from Afghanistan.

While the plan aims to enhance border security, there are concerns about the impact on local communities and trade, as well as the humanitarian consequences for Afghan refugees seeking refuge in Tajikistan.

The international community must ensure that any security measures do not compromise the rights of vulnerable populations and contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.

The Khaama Press podcast talks about climate change in Afghanistan and its effects. Najibullah Sadid, an expert in water management, discusses the problems caused by climate change in the country.

In its latest report, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned about the “adverse” impacts of climate change in Afghanistan. According to international experts quoted in the report, the average temperature in Afghanistan is expected to rise by 2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

This report, which was released on Tuesday, November 26, reveals that Afghanistan is among the top 10 countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It also highlights that the country has minimal resources to combat these changes.

The ICRC, citing international experts, reports that Afghanistan’s average temperature may rise by 1.8 to 1.9 degrees Celsius by 2050, which would be considered the most critical scenario for the region. This would lead to “adverse consequences” for the country.

The increase in temperature is attributed to the reduction of glaciers and snow coverage in the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains, which are vital water sources. One of the most serious consequences of this is the scarcity of fresh water.

The report also mentions that climate change in Afghanistan has intensified humanitarian challenges. Decades of conflict and violence in the country have weakened its capacity to cope with the effects of climate change.

The combination of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to climate change and its lack of resources to address it creates a dire situation for the country. The increase in temperature and loss of glaciers threaten the availability of freshwater, which is essential for the survival of the population.

Addressing climate change in Afghanistan will require both local and international efforts. Strengthening the country’s resilience to these environmental changes, improving water management systems, and providing humanitarian aid will be crucial steps to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on the Afghan population.

Ahmad Masoumifar, the head of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative office, has warned that by the end of this year, 2.5 million undocumented Afghan migrants will be expelled from Iran.

According to the state-run news agency IRNA, the reduction in the entry of illegal Afghan migrants into Iran has been significant.

He emphasized that the deportation of unauthorized nationals does not require an agreement with any country and that, based on decisions made within the Iranian system, Afghan nationals without legal documentation must leave Iran.

The Iranian official also stated, “If their return is voluntary, that is preferred; otherwise, the relevant authorities will take action.”

The report mentioned that the de facto administration also understands this situation and it is natural for them not to defend individuals who have entered Iran illegally and remained there.

In recent months, the process of expelling Afghan migrants from Iran has intensified.

According to statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), currently, 4.5 million Afghan migrants, both with legal migration documents, long-term visas, or no legal documentation, are living in Iran.

The Iranian government’s decision to expel undocumented Afghan migrants has sparked significant concerns about the well-being of those affected. Many fear the hardship they will face upon their return to Afghanistan, which remains in a state of instability and economic difficulty.