How to help Afghanistan

A devastating 6 magnitude earthquake has struck Afghanistan, taking hundreds of lives and destroying entire communities. The people of Afghanistan urgently need safe shelter, protection and relief.

Last updated 1st September 2025

Photo: © UNHCR/Andrew McConnell

How to help Afghanistan refugees and displaced Afghans

After more than 40 years of conflict, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian situations.

In August 2025, a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck, killing hundreds of people and reducing homes to rubble. UNHCR is on the ground, providing emergency shelter and vital supplies to survivors.

Since September 2023, more than 3.5 million Afghan refugees have been forced to return from neighbouring countries, arriving to a country already struggling with extreme poverty, hunger and conflict.  Women and girls are at heightened risk of violence, exploitation and deprivation.

Despite a severe funding shortfall, UNHCR is working to support returnees and deliver vital aid to displaced families across Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. But this response is stretched to breaking point. Please give today and help protect lives before it’s too late.

Learn more about the Afghanistan Situation

Afghanistan is again on the brink of a major humanitarian and displacement crisis. For more data and information, please visit our Afghanistan country page. 

Fight misinformation

If you’re sharing information online about Afghanistan, use accredited sources like UNHCR, the BBC, World Economic Forum and more. If you’re unsure of whether a news source is accredited, please visit this website to help you spot misinformation.  

Fundraise for refugees

Fundraising for Afghanistan refugees is easier than you might think. You can rally your friends, family and workmates to raise money for displaced Afghan women, men and children. There are lots of ways to get involved – from taking on a sporting challenge, to organising a fun event at work, home or school, or simply asking for donations instead of birthday or wedding gifts. For more information, please visit our fundraising page.

Make a donation

Your support matters. While conditions are fraught, UNHCR is staying to help Afghan women, children and men. Teams are delivering relief to as many people as they can safely reach and will continue to do so. Donations are urgently needed to help displaced Afghans. Please visit this page to make your donation to help Afghanistan.

Did you know that there are 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Afghanistan?

 

UNHCR’s relief work relies on voluntary contributions so public support is urgently needed. There are many ways your donation can help Afghanistan refugees.  

If you’d like to donate to Afghanistan, your support can provide… 

Stoves and fuel

to cook meals, generate heat and dry wet clothing 

 

 

Emergency shelter

to protect a family from the harsh elements

 

emergency-cash-icon

Emergency cash assistance

to help families access food and medicine 

More Afghanistan news…

Hajira and Matiullah hold hands as they walk through a marketplace in Afghanistan

Displaced families face another freezing winter in Afghanistan

Children like Hajira and Matiullah lack warm clothes, proper shelter and enough to eat, as temperatures start to plummet.

Afghanistan situation: worsening conflict in northern Afghanistan uproots thousands

Afghanistan’s women carpet weavers thrown an economic lifeline

A UNHCR-supported carpet weaving and processing centre will provide new jobs and better working conditions for former refugee and displaced Afghan women.

Syrian refugees fleeing fighting receive aid and shelter at Bardarash camp

South East Parakeets FC take on the ultimate football challenge to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

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