Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 19, 2026 Peace and security
The escalating conflicts in Iran and Pakistan, along with socioeconomic hardships in Afghanistan itself, have dramatically worsened the situation for millions of Afghans, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In an interview with the UN News Service, UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch described the situation as "very alarming indeed."
According to Baloch, Afghanistan has faced numerous severe humanitarian crises, but new regional upheavals have increased the pressure on returning refugees and internally displaced persons to the extreme. In recent years alone, more than five million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, many of whom were forced to do so.
"Thousands of people have been arriving in Afghanistan since the start of the conflict in Iran, effectively moving from one conflict to another," he noted.
The country is on the brink: food shortages, closed borders and new waves of displacement
Millions of Afghans remain without stable housing and income within their own country. According to the World Food Programme, logistical disruptions have led to rising malnutrition rates. The closed Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the deteriorating situation in Iran have deprived humanitarian organizations of key supply routes. Since the start of clashes between Pakistan and the de facto Afghan authorities, the number of newly displaced persons has exceeded 100,000.
"Every new turn of history makes the situation for Afghans only worse," Baloch said.
Women and girls are under double pressure
UNHCR is particularly concerned about the situation of Afghan women. Restrictions imposed by the country's de facto authorities have deprived them of education, employment, and freedom of movement.
"It's very, very difficult to be an Afghan woman right now," Baloch stressed, adding that local female UNHCR staff also face obstacles in their work.
Lack of funding puts aid delivery at risk
UNHCR warns that its humanitarian capacity is severely limited by a lack of funds. The 2026 appeal for Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan—over $400 million—is seriously underfunded.
"We have experience and the presence of specialists on the ground, but without resources we have nothing to help people with," Baloh emphasized.
Regional instability increases pressure
The crisis in Iran, according to preliminary estimates, has displaced between 600,000 and a million households, or more than 3.2 million people. In Lebanon, over a million new displaced persons have been registered, while the country is already hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees.
"We see how quickly the conflict is spreading, and the consequences could affect the entire world," Baloch warned.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.