More than 8.8 million children in Afghanistan are exposed to multiple climate-related hazards, making the country one of the most vulnerable places for children affected by climate change in South Asia, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.
UNICEF said 8.8 million of Afghanistan’s nearly 21 million children; about 41%—face at least three climate threats simultaneously, including droughts, floods, extreme heat, heatwaves, and dust storms.
The warning comes as Afghanistan continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis, widespread poverty, and limited access to basic services. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that climate shocks are worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on already vulnerable communities.
Years of economic decline, unemployment, and declining international assistance have left millions of Afghan families struggling to meet basic needs. Children are among the hardest hit, facing heightened risks of malnutrition, displacement, and interrupted access to education and healthcare.
According to UNICEF, more than 75% of Afghan children are exposed to drought conditions, while over half experience prolonged heatwaves. The agency added that more than 1.7 million children are affected by river flooding.
UNICEF also warned that acute malnutrition is compounding the impact of the climate crisis, with millions of children under the age of five expected to require treatment for malnutrition this year. The agency called for greater investment in climate resilience and child-focused humanitarian assistance to help protect vulnerable communities.
