New York, NY – The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the "severe" humanitarian crisis gripping Afghanistan, emphasizing that the nation's needs are among the most dire worldwide, second only to the crisis in Sudan.

UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric addressed reporters Thursday, stating that "More than half of the population, that's 23 million human beings, are in need of humanitarian assistance in the country." He further elaborated, "This number is one of the highest globally, second only to Sudan, where 30 million people currently require aid and require protection."

The situation in Afghanistan is marked by persistent and alarming levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. "Food insecurity and malnutrition remain 'stubbornly high' in Afghanistan during the first quarter of 2025," Dujarric said. "Nearly 15 million people, one in every three Afghans, will experience high levels of acute food insecurity."

The effects of this crisis are particularly devastating for the most vulnerable populations. "Nearly 3.5 million children under the age of 5, and more than 1 million pregnant and breast-feeding women are expected to become acutely malnourished," Dujarric stated, highlighting the urgent need for nutritional aid.

Adding to the complexity of the humanitarian disaster are the policies of the Taliban, who regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Since their return, the interim administration has implemented numerous regulations that severely infringe upon the fundamental rights of women and girls, significantly restricting their access to education and employment.

Beyond these political and social issues, Afghanistan is grappling with a multitude of other challenges, including:

Economic Collapse: The nation's economy has been significantly weakened, leading to widespread poverty.

Healthcare System Collapse: The public health system is on the brink of collapse, making it difficult to provide essential medical care.

Natural Disasters: Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters such as droughts and earthquakes, which further exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis.

The UN continues to call for increased international support to address the critical needs of the Afghan people.