Afghanistan

Afghanistan is grappling with the devastating impact of four decades of conflict, leaving 23.7 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance—over half of whom are children. Following the collapse of the previous government in 2021 and the subsequent return of the Taliban, nearly 700,000 people fled their homes in search of safety, contributing to the 6.3 million internally displaced people in the country. Children are facing some of the most severe consequences: 12.6 million children require humanitarian aid, with 9.2 million in need of protection services. Moreover, 1.4 million girls have been excluded from secondary education since the Taliban’s takeover, while nearly 900,000 children under five need urgent treatment for severe wasting in 2024.The mental health of Afghanistan’s youth is also in crisis, with over 24% of children aged 5-17 suffering from anxiety—ten times the global average. The need for emergency shelters is equally dire, as 6.6 million people require shelter, yet only a fraction is being targeted for support. Additionally, only 16% of the population is able to meet their basic needs, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of children and families across the country. War Child continues its mission to support Afghanistan’s young people, recently expanding its work to aid communities impacted by the catastrophic earthquakes in Herat province​

War Child has been on the ground in Afghanistan since 2002, initially working in Herat to support families displaced by conflict. In 2023, War Child provided support to 44,887 children and adults through a wide range of services aimed at protecting vulnerable children, ensuring access to education, and supporting livelihoods.War Child’s response includes Safe Spaces where children can play, learn, and receive mental health support to improve their psychosocial well-being. Mobile child protection teams and helplines are available to address urgent needs, while a comprehensive case management system helps children at risk of violence, abuse, or exploitation get the help they need. Additionally, War Child works to trace and reunify unaccompanied children deported from neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan, ensuring they are cared for and supported. The organization also provides cash assistance to help families meet basic needs and runs a large-scale emergency response plan to deliver education and livelihood support to the most vulnerable​