Source: United Nations (Video News)
Press Conference by Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director for Management, UNFPA, on his recent trip to Afghanistan.
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A dual humanitarian crisis is looming in Afghanistan as tens of thousands of Afghans are being forced to return from neighbouring countries. In April 2025, more than 251,000 Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan, including over 96,000 who were deported. At the same time, UNFPA’s largest donor, the US Government, has abruptly ended all funding to UNFPA in the country, totalling over $100 million.
People forced to return to Afghanistan may encounter serious risks. This is especially true for Afghan women and girls, who face increasing restrictions in terms of access to employment, education and freedom of movement in Afghanistan. These concerns are compounded by acute humanitarian needs inside Afghanistan, rising unemployment rates, as well as natural disasters and extreme weather incidents.
The funding UNFPA has lost was mostly for Family Health Houses, mobile health teams and psychosocial support services in rural communities. As a result, 6.3 million people, mostly women and girls, will lose access to life-saving care and UNFPA will be forced to reduce the number of facilities it supports by over a half over the next year.
From 4 – 9 May 2025, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Management) Mr. Andrew Saberton visited Afghanistan to see the difference UNFPA is making and better understand the impact of the funding cuts. He visited UNFPA-supported services in the capital Kabul, Bamyan province, and the Torkham border with Pakistan and saw the devastating impacts the massive cuts to UNFPA will have in one of the world’s greatest humanitarian crises.