Sat Dec 27 07:28:28 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on the provided information:

Summary:

Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by cuts in international aid, a struggling economy, recurring droughts, earthquakes, and the return of millions of refugees. Nearly half the population requires aid, but reduced donor contributions have crippled aid programs, leaving millions facing crisis levels of hunger. The situation is further worsened by restrictions on women working and skyrocketing rents, pushing families into dire poverty and desperation. The UN warns that the situation will worsen in 2026 with increasing protection risks, and strain on basic services.
News Article:

Afghanistan on Brink of Famine as Aid Cuts Deepen Crisis

Kabul, Afghanistan – December 27, 2025 – Afghanistan is teetering on the edge of a humanitarian disaster as drastic cuts to international aid coincide with a multitude of crises, leaving millions facing starvation and destitution. A report released today indicates that nearly half of the Afghan population, approximately 22.9 million people, requires urgent assistance.

The crisis has been significantly worsened by the halting of vital aid programs, including food distribution initiatives run by the United Nations’ World Food Programme, triggered by major funding cuts from international donors. Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief, reports that this winter will be devastating. Only 1 million of the most vulnerable people have received food assistance during the lean season in 2025, a huge difference as compared to 5.6 million last year.

“We risk a further contraction of life-saving help,” warned Mr. Fletcher, emphasizing the rising risks facing Afghans.

The aid cuts have coincided with a struggling economy, recurrent droughts, devastating earthquakes, and a mass influx of over 7 million Afghan refugees returning from countries like Iran and Pakistan over the last four years. The return has caused pressure on housing and food.

The situation is particularly dire for women, who face severe restrictions on employment under the current government, leaving many families without a crucial source of income.

Rahimullah, a returned refugee selling socks in Kabul, exemplifies the plight of many. He relies on a meager daily income to feed his family, but is struggling to meet basic needs and faces eviction due to soaring rents. He used to get assistance that would help him a lot but now that assistance is gone.

Sherin Gul, from Badakhshan province, paints an equally bleak picture, with her family facing starvation due to lack of aid and employment opportunities. She is unable to work due to the restrictions on women. She says they go to bed without food.

The UN warns that while the need for assistance will continue to increase in 2026, funding will likely decrease. The current trajectory threatens to plunge Afghanistan into a humanitarian catastrophe, demanding immediate and sustained international attention.

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