Five years on: Denmark’s support helps UNHCR respond to needs in Afghanistan

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Five years on: Denmark’s support helps UNHCR respond to needs in Afghanistan

Five years after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the country continues to face a major displacement and humanitarian crisis. Denmark’s longstanding support to UNHCR is an important part of the response, providing financial support as needs continue to evolve. As conflicts and war escalate in the neighbouring countries, many have returned to the country, with great uncertainty, facing poverty and the continuing humanitarian crisis they had once fled.

By Selma Rezagić

22 October 2026

Afghanistan. UNHCR Delivers 30 Durable Permanent Shelters for Vulnerable Families in Bamiyan

Children play in an open area near newly constructed UNHCR shelters in Bamyan Province. The shelters provide families with safe, stable, and warm homes, allowing children to enjoy outdoor space and grow in a secure environment.

Protecting people affected by displacement

Over one million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan since the beginning of the year. Of these, more than 650,000 returned from Pakistan and 400,000 from Iran. For many people returning to Afghanistan, crossing the border is only the beginning of rebuilding their lives. Returnees need support to meet immediate needs such as food, shelter, clean water and essential household items, as well as long-term support to access protection and services and re-establish themselves in communities already facing significant humanitarian and economic pressures.

Across Afghanistan, UNHCR and its partners provide humanitarian assistance and protection support to people affected by displacement, including cash assistance, core relief items such as blankets, kitchen sets and solar lamps, shelter, and seasonal assistance such as winter clothing, heating materials and emergency shelter support, alongside community-based interventions. The scale of the needs was already substantial before the latest increase in returns. This support helps people meet immediate needs while also providing a foundation for longer-term recovery. Cash assistance can help families cover essential expenses, while shelter and core relief items provide greater safety and protection from harsh living conditions. Protection services and community-based interventions help people access essential services and support as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Afghanistan. UNHCR High Commissioner and UNDP Administrator Visit Afghanistan to Support Displaced and Returning Communities

The UNHCR-supported carpet weaving centre in Afghanistan is a livelihood and skills-training initiative that helps refugees, returnees, and vulnerable Afghan women earn an income through traditional carpet production. These centres are typically set up or supported by UNHCR in partnership with local NGOs or community cooperatives. They combine training and production space so that women can work safely and generate sustainable income for their famillies.

Denmark's support helps sustain the response

Facing these ongoing challenges, humanitarian funding is critical to UNHCR's ability to respond to changing needs in Afghanistan. Denmark, a longstanding partner to UNHCR, provides predictable and flexible humanitarian funding, which is essential to UNHCR’s humanitarian action.

Denmark’s flexible and unearmarked funding is particularly important in a rapidly changing humanitarian situation and has enabled UNHCR to adapt its response to evolving needs and direct resources towards prioritized activities, while respecting the different levels of earmarking attached to individual contributions. Together, funding from Denmark helps UNHCR maintain assistance and protection for people affected by displacement as needs evolve.

Five years after the Taliban takeover, the needs of Afghans affected by displacement are still significant. As people continue to return from neighbouring countries while millions remain displaced or in need of international protection, sustained support is essential. With both flexible and targeted contributions, Denmark is helping UNHCR maintain its ability to respond to changing needs and provide protection and assistance to people across Afghanistan.

Afghanistan. UNHCR’s Embroidery Skills Training Programme Empowers 26 Women in Bamyan Province.

Benazir Alizada, 30, works at her booth in the Bamyan Village Market, where she produces embroidery, weaving, and tailored items after completing a six-month UNHCR-supported vocational training programme. Once unemployed and facing economic hardship, she now earns a daily income that helps cover household expenses and buy fuel during Bamyan’s harsh winters. Through her small business, Benazir is building financial independence and hopes to expand her shop to support other women in the future.