Afghanistan
A complex humanitarian crisis has left millions of children in Afghanistan at risk of starvation, exploitation, violence and prolonged disruption to their education. Working with partners across Afghanistan, War Child provides a vital lifeline to at-risk children and their caregivers.
The situation for children
As international funding continues to decline, Afghanistan is sinking deeper into poverty, with millions of children facing acute food insecurity and malnutrition, while lacking access to essential resources. The combination of economic collapse, climate-related shocks and repeated displacement continues to erode families' ability to meet their basic needs.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to socio-cultural restrictions that severely limit their mobility and access to services. Girls are also banned from attending secondary school. As families fall deeper into poverty, harmful coping mechanisms such as child marriage, child labour and other forms of exploitation are becoming increasingly common.
Our work in Afghanistan
War Child has been working with local partners in Afghanistan since 2002. Together, we deliver integrated, community-based programmes that safeguard children from violence, exploitation and abuse, strengthen family resilience and provide life-saving humanitarian assistance through our disaster anticipation, preparedness and emergency response.
In 2025, War Child launched an integrated emergency response to support children and their family's facing multiple, overlapping crises. Amid the ongoing conflict in and around Afghanistan, we provide life-saving support to those affected by forced repatriation from Iran and Pakistan as well as disasters such as earthquakes, floods and drought.
War Child remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable children and families in Afghanistan, offering protection, dignity and hope in the face of an escalating humanitarian emergency.
Latest news from Afghanistan
- Child protection
Skills for life: Empowering young people through vocational training in Badghis, Afghanistan
In Badghis Province, Afghanistan, War Child is working to protect and uplift children and young people impacted by severe poverty by teaching them valuable professional skills to earn their own income. This project was made possible through UK Aid Match, where every pound donated was matched by the UK government.
War Child Launches Emergency Response to Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan
In the wake of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake which struck eastern Afghanistan, War Child and its partners have launched an emergency response to provide crucial child protection and psychosocial support to children and families affected by this traumatic event.
