How to help Afghanistan
Powerful earthquakes have hit Afghanistan, killing over 1000 people and injuring thousands more – and numbers are expected to rise.
Here’s how you can help families in Afghanistan who have lost everything in the earthquakes.
Photo: © UNHCR/Andrew McConnell
How to help Afghanistan refugees and displaced Afghans
After more than 40 years of conflict, Afghanistan remains one of the most complex humanitarian situations in the world, with people on the move across the country following a series of climate-change related emergencies and natural disasters.
In October 2023, two 6.3 magnitude earthquakes struck Afghanistan’s Herat province, followed by several powerful aftershocks. The tremors flattened homes, destroyed many villages and killed over 1000 people whilst injuring over 1700 more. Many people have resorted to sleeping outside in fear of further tremors. These earthquakes are the latest tragedies to hit a country which has faced multiple humanitarian disasters in recent times.
The scale of destruction is extensive. In Afghanistan, priority needs include emergency shelter, food assistance and core relief items such as solar lamps and hygiene kits for those who have been displaced and lost everything.
UNHCR have been on the ground since the first earthquake and are now scaling up the humanitarian response to include the areas affected by the second earthquake. Additional support is desperately needed – learn more below about how you can help.
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.
There are 3.25 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 resistance
to help families access food and medicine
More Afghanistan news…
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.
UNHCR airlifting aid to Kabul
The situation in Afghanistan remains uncertain and volatile, with events such as the deadly attack on the Kabul military hospital on the 2nd November, but UNCHR is continuing with its urgent delivery of aid.
South East Parakeets FC take on the ultimate football challenge to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.