Afghanistan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with an estimated 21.9 million people—nearly 45 percent of the population—projected to require urgent assistance in 2026, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

While this is a slight 4 percent decrease from last year, needs remain extremely high in a non-conflict setting. Persistent vulnerabilities, worsening food insecurity, climate-driven drought, natural disasters, mass cross-border returns, and serious protection risks—particularly for women and girls—continue to drive the crisis.

Food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with 17.4 million people expected to face acute hunger, including 4.7 million in emergency conditions, more than double last year’s figure. Drought affects 12 provinces, leaving 3.4 million people struggling for basic water and food.

La Niña forecasts of below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures could worsen conditions further.

Protection risks remain critical. Restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities on women and girls, combined with ongoing threats from explosive remnants of war, gender-based violence, child labor, and early marriage, leave millions vulnerable. Explosive ordnance injures or kills an average of 50 people each month, OCHA reports.

Mass returns from neighboring countries also strain fragile communities.

In 2025, more than 2.61 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan, stretching limited services, livelihoods, and housing.

Humanitarian partners plan to reach 17.5 million people—around 80 percent of those in need—through a coordinated $1.71 billion response. Aid will focus on life-saving and protective interventions, including food, shelter, healthcare, nutrition, safe water, hygiene, and multipurpose cash assistance in the areas of greatest need.

OCHA emphasizes that while the overall number of people in need has slightly decreased, Afghanistan remains a global humanitarian priority, requiring urgent and sustained support to prevent further deterioration.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, says the country’s penal code contains no provisions that contradict Islamic Sharia.

In an interview with the BBC, Mujahid said the guidelines are fully based on Sharia law. He added that anyone raising objections should first study Sharia and assess the issues within its framework.

“In today’s digital world, Sharia-related materials are available in every language,” Mujahid said.

When asked whether the Islamic Emirate is open to considering the views of Islamic scholars from other countries, Mujahid said that while concerns may be clarified, criticism is not acceptable.

“We do not want to learn religion from others. We have our own religion, beliefs, and scholars. We have made sacrifices for this religion and preserved it for centuries. Why should others teach us religion? Instead, we should teach religion to others,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice said none of the Islamic Emirate’s legislative documents include any article, clause, or provision that conflicts with Islamic Sharia.

The ministry also warned that raising objections to these laws would be considered a crime and said violators would be referred to judicial and legal authorities for prosecution.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has launched a $100 million initiative to strengthen food and nutrition security and restore agricultural livelihoods across Afghanistan.

FAO said the two-year program will support more than one million vulnerable people, including returnees from Pakistan and Iran, host communities, and families affected by recent earthquakes and floods.

Over 151,000 rural households will benefit through support for crop production, livestock protection, and livelihood recovery.

Agriculture remains central to Afghanistan’s rural economy but faces persistent challenges such as low productivity, damaged irrigation systems, limited access to quality inputs, and climate shocks.

FAO estimates that in 2026, 17.4 million people will face acute food insecurity, with 4.7 million in emergency conditions, as drought and anticipated La Niña impacts worsen conditions.

The initiative will focus on climate-smart, people-centered approaches, with special attention to women-headed households and the most vulnerable provinces.

The program builds on the long-standing FAO-ADB partnership. Since 2022, ADB has provided about $265 million in grants through FAO, reaching 5.6 million people across the country.

FAO said the initiative aims to link immediate food assistance with longer-term resilience to help Afghan families withstand future crises.