Four decades of conflict in Afghanistan have left 23.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. A staggering 12.6 million of them are children.  

Children face acute physical danger from mines and unexploded devices. High unemployment and rising prices mean households struggle to survive, with hunger and malnutrition widespread. The public healthcare system has collapsed and access to other basic services is extremely limited. The 2023 earthquakes in Herat and the subsequent drought have further intensified the urgent need for aid. 

Children must be protected from further harm as they face exploitation, including child labour and trafficking, and family separation. Rights for women are increasingly marginalised making girls particularly vulnerable as they are excluded from school and at risk of gender-based violence.