According to the annual Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), jointly released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford University, nearly two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population lived in poverty between 2022 and 2023. This report, which focuses on the economic and social conditions of the Afghan people during Taliban rule, paints a grim and painful picture of life under the regime.
The report states that 64.9% of Afghanistan’s population lived in poverty during this period, compared to only around 5.3 million people in such conditions during 2015 and 2016. This sharp increase reflects the devastating impact of Taliban rule and the severe reduction in international aid on the economy and livelihoods of Afghans.
Afghanistan, long mired in war and armed conflicts, now faces a humanitarian catastrophe stemming not only from violence but also from poverty. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index highlights that poverty in conflict-ridden countries is significantly higher. In total, 455 million of the world’s poorest people live in countries affected by war and violence, with Afghanistan leading the list. Decades of war, infrastructure destruction, and instability have left the Afghan people struggling with access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment.
The report also highlights the overall state of poverty globally, examining 6.3 billion people across 112 countries. Findings show that 1.1 billion people live in extreme poverty worldwide, with 40% of them residing in countries engaged in armed conflicts. Afghanistan, following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, has experienced the highest level of vulnerability, with citizens facing a drastic decline in access to financial resources and essential services, pushing family economies to the brink of collapse.
Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, remarked in the report on the rising number of armed conflicts and their impact on people globally, stating that conflicts have intensified in recent years. Human casualties have peaked, and millions have been displaced. This situation not only disrupts daily life but also severely impacts livelihoods. In conflict-ridden countries like Afghanistan, one in four poor individuals lacks access to electricity, while in more stable nations, only one in 20 faces such an issue. This stark contrast reveals the depth of inequality in these nations.
Other indicators examined in the report include access to healthcare and housing. Findings indicate that 828 million people worldwide lack access to healthcare services, while 886 million live without adequate housing. These challenges are particularly evident in Afghanistan, where people face severe shortages of healthcare facilities and housing amidst the Taliban’s rule, severely limiting access to essential services.
Malnutrition is another major issue highlighted in the report. Globally, 637 million people suffer from malnutrition, and Afghanistan is one of the countries most affected by this crisis. Women, children, and vulnerable individuals are especially at risk, as they face severe economic and social restrictions. The lack of access to sufficient food and the reduction in international aid have left many Afghan families in a critical situation, struggling to survive.
In recent days, the World Bank also announced that Afghanistan is among the 26 poorest countries in the world. The Taliban’s return to power and the imposition of social and economic restrictions have led to a sharp decline in international aid, resulting in the collapse of the national economy. Families facing unemployment and a lack of income sources are struggling to meet basic needs, living under the shadow of fear, poverty, and hunger.
This report shows that Afghanistan’s situation is not only critical but also requires urgent international attention. The global community and international institutions must prioritize this country and its people to prevent the continuation of this humanitarian disaster. Comprehensive and effective programs are essential to rebuilding the economy and improving the living conditions of Afghans. Without such initiatives, millions of people in the country will likely continue living in extreme poverty.
The report ultimately warns that the continuation of this situation could have disastrous consequences for Afghanistan’s future and for generations to come. Providing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment is vital not only to reduce poverty but also to rebuild trust and stability in Afghan society. Serious attention to these issues can prevent further deterioration and pave the way for improving the lives of Afghanistan’s people.
