disaster
UNDP and UNHCR chiefs urge sustained investment as Afghanistan faces unprecedented refugee returnee influx
By UN Development Programme ReliefWeb
· July 8, 2026
· 4 min read
. KABUL – UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Barham Salih today called on the international community to provide urgent, sustained investment in Afghanistan as one of the world’s largest return movements places immense pressu
Key takeaway Since 2023, more than 6 million Afghans have returned to the country, including around 2.
Why this matters
The situation in Afghanistan poses significant challenges for Christian charities and faith-based organizations involved in humanitarian relief efforts. With over 6 million Afghans returning to the country since 2023, the need for sustained investment in basic services, livelihoods, and protection is critical. The warning from UNDP and UNHCR chiefs that aid cuts and declining international attention risk deepening poverty and fuelling further displacement highlights the importance of continued support from the international community, including faith-based organizations. ECFA-accredited nonprofits and relief organizations may play a crucial role in providing essential services, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, to returnees. The emphasis on creating jobs and promoting economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people, also presents an opportunity for faith-based organizations to support long-term recovery and stability in Afghanistan. As the international community responds to this crisis, Christian charities and ministries must consider how they can contribute to addressing the immense humanitarian and protection needs in Afghanistan.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster Published: July 8, 2026 Source: ReliefWeb Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . KABUL – UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Barham Salih today called on the international community to provide urgent, sustained investment in Afghanistan as one of the world’s largest return movements places immense pressu
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN Development Programme at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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