Countries: Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Key Highlights Afghanistan is facing a fast-evolving, multi-layered crisis driven by internal displacement caused by cross-border conflict with Pakistan, continued and potentially large-scale returns from Pakistan, and potential large-scale returns from Iran of up to 2 million people . These shocks are unfolding on top of one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with 21.9 million people , including 11.6m children, in need of humanitarian assistance in 2026. Conflict with Pakistan has already caused civilian casualties, displacement, and service disruption. Between late February and 16 March, 289 civilian casualties were recorded in Afghanistan, including 76 killed and 213 injured ; women and children account for more than half of all casualties. Initial reports indicate that around 115,000 people have been newly displaced, while verification is ongoing. Furthermore, on 16 March, an airstrike carried out by Pakistan military forces impacted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, according to UNAMA, dozens of hospital patients were reportedly killed and injured. Returns from Pakistan are already significant and could rise further. OCHA reports that more than 160,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan so far this year, while Pakistan is estimated to host around 1.92 million Afghans , including documented and undocumented populations. A further increase in returns from Iran remains a major risk. UNICEF has prepared a contingency plan for a possible large-scale influx from Iran, building on infrastructure and services that were scaled up during higher return movements in 2025 and maintained in adapted form as arrivals later declined. UNHCR reported that more than 2 million Afghans returned from Iran in 2025 by September, underscoring the scale of potential movements. UNICEF is responding across all three fronts . Supporting conflict-affected populations, addressing ongoing returns from Pakistan, and preparing for possible large-scale returns from Iran – in close coordination with other UN agencies and partners as part of the border consortium. Essential services for children and families are already under strain, particularly health, nutrition, education, WASH and child protection. In 2026, UNICEF is appealing for US$949.1 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance and support basic human needs for 12 million people in Afghanistan, including 6.5 million children. The scale of urgent needs demands sustained and adaptable support, including US$9.0 million to provide lifesaving services and supplies for up to 742,000 Afghan returnees from Iran between March and December 2026. Furthermore, due to global disruption in shipping routes, limited availability of critical supplies in local market and the lead time for shipping supplies which hampers the humanitarian response, UNICEF is calling on all partners to support airlifting of life saving nutrition and medical supplies which cannot be purchased locally.
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