Amid the economic downturn in Afghanistan exacerbated by the chaotic withdrawal and Taliban takeover, a recent report by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) from August 2021 to March 2023 reveals a worsening humanitarian situation. The collapse of the US-supported government and the subsequent withdrawal left a power vacuum, leading to economic instability and a surge in the demand for humanitarian aid.
Economic expert Abdul Nasir Reshtia questions the efficacy of aid alone, stressing the urgent need for development projects to address the root causes of poverty and unemployment in the country. Conversely, the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Economy attributes the rising poverty to international sanctions, citing frozen assets, banking restrictions, and commercial constraints.
"The sanctions imposed on the people of Afghanistan, the assets of the Afghanistan people that have been frozen, and the banking and commercial restrictions that have been imposed in violation of international law, are the main factors of the spread of poverty in Afghanistan," stated Deputy Minister of Economy Abdul Latif Nazari.
Despite debates on the impact of aid, Nazari urges the continuation of assistance from aid organizations. UNICEF's projections for 2024 suggest that 23.3 million people, including 12.6 million children, will require humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive support.
The complex interplay of economic challenges, international sanctions, and the ongoing need for aid underscores the multifaceted nature of the crisis facing the Afghan population. It is crucial to acknowledge that the Taliban administration disputes the UN report, emphasizing the importance of children's rights in the country.
As poverty escalates in Afghanistan, the visible increase in children working on the streets raises concerns among human rights and children's organizations. Since the Taliban seized power, Afghanistan has faced profound challenges, particularly compromising the fundamental rights of children amidst the strict rules and regulations imposed by the de facto authorities.
