UNHCR in Afghanistan

We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. 

We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. 

We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.

Afghans make up one of the largest refugee populations worldwide. As of end of year 2023, Afghans represented the second largest refugee population (6.1 million), after Syrians (6.5 million). Most Afghan refugees live in neighbouring countries in the region. Together, Iran and Pakistan host 5.5 million Afghan refugees in addition to an estimated 1.5 million undocumented Afghans. Another 3.2 million people are internally displaced, having fled their homes searching for refuge within the country.

Afghanistan has endured more than four decades of conflict, natural disasters, chronic poverty, and food insecurity. Facing an ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis, the coping mechanisms of refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities are severely strained.

UNHCR has been present in Afghanistan for over 35 years. UNHCR Afghanistan provides life-saving protection and humanitarian assistance, with particular attention to health, education and livelihoods, to internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, refugee and IDP returnees, and vulnerable host communities, in 80 Priority Areas of Return and Reintegration (PARRs). UNHCR aims to meet urgent immediate needs while building community resilience and preventing further displacement. UNHCR's work is based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.