The United Nations says continuing Taliban restrictions on women and girls have further weakened Afghanistan’s economy and labour force. In a report published on Thursday, the UN said nearly 100 decrees issued by the Taliban since 2021 remain in force, limiting women’s access to work, education and freedom of movement. The report said millions of Afghan families continue to struggle to meet basic needs, including food, water, healthcare and shelter, while more than 80% remain in debt. According to UN estimates, around 28 million people in Afghanistan lived in poverty in 2025, as declining international aid, worsening drought and the large-scale return of migrants deepened the crisis. The UN also said 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing severe food insecurity.
