Afghanistan Protection Analysis Update

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues on multiple fronts, with deepening protection threats for large parts of the population, driven by political dynamics as well as a dire economic situation. An estimated 24.4 million people, 59 percent of Afghanistan’s population, are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2022.

The current operational context displays both significant opportunities, as well as risks and challenges for exploring durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The number of IDPS has decreased since August 2021, and access has been expanded throughout the country, yet restrictions on freedom of movement of women and girls remains prevalent. The return to school for girls above grade six was postponed by the De Facto Authorities which presents a major concern for the humanitarian community as well as civil society.

In the first quarter of 2022, as in the previous year, food insecurity, acute malnutrition, reduced access to health care and the scarcity of basic products continued to be major issues affecting the concerned population. The current report reveals that the presence of mines and other explosives has increased across the country in the first quarter, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of communities, including children’s safety, school attendance, and people’s ability to access services. As a consequence, an increasing pattern has been observed that vulnerable populations are adopting negative coping strategies such as borrowing money, child labour, sale/exchange of children for debt relief, street begging, forced marriage, child marriage.

The main protection risks reported included:

1. Safety, arbitrary arrest and freedom of movement
2. Discriminatory and punitive gender norms
3. Socio-economic challenges, poverty and coping mechanisms
4. Presence of mine and explosive hazards
5. Housing, land and property concerns