Nine in 10 Afghan families skip meals, take on debt: UNDP

"Hit hard by aid cuts and sanctions, Afghanistan is struggling to absorb 4.5 million returnees since 2023. Nine in 10 families in Afghanistan are going hungry or falling into debt as millions of new returnees stretch resources in poverty-stricken areas in the east and north, according to the United Nations. Taliban-controlled Afghanistan battered by aid cuts, sanctions and repeated natural disasters, including a deadly quake in August is struggling to absorb 4.5 million people who have returned since 2023."

"A UN Development Programme (UNDP) report released on Wednesday said returning Afghans are reeling from severe economic insecurity. More than half of returnee households are skipping medical care to afford food while more than 90 percent have taken on debt, the report said. Their debts range from $373 to $900 when the average monthly income is $100, according to the report, whose findings were based on a survey of more than 48,000 households."

4.5 million people have returned to Afghanistan since 2023, with about 1.5 million forced back this year from Pakistan and Iran. Nine in ten families are going hungry or falling into debt as returnees stretch resources in poverty-stricken eastern and northern areas. More than half of returnee households skip medical care to afford food and over 90% have taken on debt, with average debts of $373–$900 while average monthly income is $100. Rent has tripled and many lack sufficient space or bedding; 18% faced a second displacement in the past year. Large numbers live in tents or degraded structures in western districts. Urgent support is needed to strengthen livelihoods, services, housing, and social cohesion to reduce secondary displacement.

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