UN OCHA Launches $1.71 Billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Afghanistan in 2026

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), along with humanitarian partners, has launched the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for 2026.

OCHA stated the plan aims to address urgent vital needs of the population and prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan continues to face one of the world's largest humanitarian crises after Sudan and Yemen, with nearly 21.9 million people—close to half the country's population—expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026.

Food insecurity remains the primary driver of humanitarian needs, OCHA reported, with 17.4 million people facing critical or worse levels and 4.7 million in emergency hunger. Abdul Shakoor Hadewal, an economic expert, described the plan as a necessary step taken at the right time, saying it could reduce economic challenges to some extent, even if not fully resolving them.

OCHA identified exacerbating factors including drought and climate shocks, loss of livelihoods, and the mass return of Afghan migrants. Emergency hunger has increased by more than 50% compared to the previous year, and nearly 5 million people have returned to Afghanistan in the past two years, straining basic services and host communities.

Ahmad Fardous Baghzan, another economic expert, urged relevant domestic and international agencies to manage the situation promptly to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, emphasizing job creation and infrastructure development to reintegrate returnees.

The Ministry of Economy welcomed the OCHA plan, stating such initiatives can effectively aid vulnerable segments of society. Abdul Latif Nazari, the ministry's deputy minister for technical affairs, affirmed support for any scheme reducing poverty and assisting compatriots, particularly in areas affected by floods and earthquakes.

The plan seeks $1.71 billion to assist 17.5 million people, focusing on regions facing severe conditions such as drought, mass returns, disease outbreaks, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.