15 August 2026 marks five years since the return of the Taliban to power. Already vulnerable
from decades of war, aid dependency, and climate shocks, Afghanistan has been plunged
into economic collapse by suspension of development aid, and frozen foreign reserves. This
crisis was further worsened by regional tensions that cut off vital trade routes. Still, Afghans
across the country continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, solidarity, and
determination in sustaining their communities and livelihoods.
Women and girls have borne the brunt of the restrictions imposed since August 2021. Their
access to secondary and higher education, employment, freedom of movement, healthcare,
and participation in public life has been progressively curtailed. Taken together, these
measures severely restrict the rights, dignity, and future opportunities of Afghan women and
girls. Nearly 2.2 million girls remain barred from education beyond primary level. Ensuring the
participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society remains fundamental to
Afghanistan’s future.
“I was in grade 10 when the ban on secondary schools was announced and it has already
been five years since then. I would have been in university but unfortunately, that seems
like a dream to me that can never happen again.” – A female student, Herat province.
As organisations committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, we believe this moment
calls for renewed international attention and sustained engagement—not disengagement or
isolation. Our operational presence provides access to basic services and protection to
thousands of vulnerable Afghans. It proves that meaningful humanitarian and development
assistance programmes remain possible, as nearly 22 million people continue to require
humanitarian assistance to meet their most basic needs.
Millions of Afghans have been forced to return from neighbouring countries since 2023, often
with little or no prospect of successful reintegration. International engagement must remain
firmly focused on supporting the Afghan people and strengthening the resilience of
communities across the country.
Humanitarian assistance remains essential, but it cannot, on its own, address Afghanistan’s
structural challenges. Sustainable development investments are necessary to strengthen
education, local economies, climate resilience, and public services. Afghanistan requires an
approach that combines principled humanitarian action with long-term development
investments.
“We truly appreciate the humanitarian support we receive, but we do not want to rely
on aidforever. We don’t want to be a burden. Alongside humanitarian assistance, we
need sustainable development investments that create jobs and livelihood opportunities.
What we need most is the chance to work, earn a living, and stand tall on our own feet.”
– A female returnee, Kunduz province.
Local organisations, community networks, and humanitarian actors are key to this process.
They possess the knowledge, trust, and access needed to respond effectively to needs and
priorities. Strengthening the capacity, leadership, and financial sustainability of Afghan civil
society—including through direct and quality funding—must remain a priority. Inclusive,
locally-led and context-sensitive approaches are essential to achieving meaningful and
sustainable progress.
As one of the main donors to Afghanistan, the European Union has a critical role to play in
supporting the Afghan people. The EU’s presence in Kabul remains essential to ensure that
the country’s dire situation is not forgotten and to maintain dialogue with the de facto
authorities, including to continue advocating for the rights of women and girls and to facilitate
operational access.
We call on the EU and its Member States, and the international community, to maintain
principled and long-term engagement with Afghanistan, recognising that
disengagement would primarily harm ordinary Afghans.
We call for predictable, multi-year humanitarian and development financing that
addresses urgent needs while strengthening essential services, climate resilience,
and local economies.
We call for strengthened support to Afghan civil society, including local and
women-led organisations, through meaningful consultation, direct partnerships, and
sustained investment in locally led and inclusive approaches.
We call for continued diplomatic, principled and practical engagement that preserves
space for dialogue, promotes the equal, direct, safe and meaningful participation of
women and girls in all areas of Afghan society, and places the dignity, rights, and
aspirations of the Afghan people at the centre of international efforts.
Five years on, the people of Afghanistan must not be forgotten. Sustained international
solidarity, practical cooperation, and long-term commitment remain more important than ever.
“Standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Afghanistan during these difficult times
is not a burden—it is a responsibility and an honour.” – Samim, community member,
Nangarhar Province.
DATA SOURCES
UNESCO (2025), Afghanistan: Four years on, 2.2 million girls still banned from school.
UNICEF & UNESCO (2026), Joint Statement on the Right to Education in Afghanistan.
UN OCHA (2026), Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026.
UN Women / UNAMA / IOM survey data on Afghan women
This statement was signed off by the following members of ENNA:
ActionAid Sweden
CAFOD
CARE
Cordaid
DACAAR
Dutch Refugee Foundation (Stichting Vluchteling)
EMERGENCY
HealthNet TPO
HealthProm
International Rescue Committee
INTERSOS
Norwegian Afghanistan Committee
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
People in Need
Search for Common Ground
Solidarity Committee
World Vision International
