Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with decades of conflict, corruption, and underdevelopment leaving millions of Afghans trapped in poverty. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, economic collapse and political instability have deepened the crisis. 

For many families, migration has become the only means of survival. Afghans are fleeing in search of safety, employment, and dignity, creating one of the largest refugee populations globally. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Poverty and instability in Afghanistan are not new. Four decades of war — beginning with the Soviet invasion in 1979, followed by civil war, Taliban rule, U.S.-led intervention, and the Taliban’s return — have devastated the economy and infrastructure. 

International aid, which sustained much of Afghanistan’s economy, sharply declined after 2021, leading to mass unemployment and hunger. Sanctions and frozen assets further crippled the financial system, leaving ordinary Afghans unable to access basic necessities. 

This combination of conflict and economic collapse fuels ongoing migration. 

Page 3 — Poverty and Everyday Struggles 
Afghans face severe challenges in their daily lives: 

- Food insecurity: Millions are on the brink of famine, dependent on humanitarian aid. 
- Unemployment: Jobs are scarce, especially for women, who face restrictions under Taliban rule. 
- Healthcare crisis: Hospitals lack supplies, medicine, and staff. 
- Education barriers: Girls are banned from secondary and higher education, limiting future opportunities. 
- Debt cycles: Families sell assets or marry off daughters early to survive. 

These hardships push Afghans to seek better lives abroad. 

Page 4 — Migration and Its Consequences 
The chronic poverty and instability have resulted in mass migration. Millions of Afghans live as refugees in Pakistan, Iran, and beyond, while others attempt dangerous journeys to Europe. 

For those who leave, migration often comes with risks of exploitation, detention, and discrimination in host countries. For Afghanistan, the outflow of educated and skilled citizens accelerates brain drain, weakening chances of rebuilding. 

The refugee crisis also fuels regional tensions, as neighbouring states struggle to cope with the influx. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Addressing poverty and instability in Afghanistan requires long-term, coordinated solutions. 

Key steps include: 
- Humanitarian aid: expand international assistance to prevent famine and support basic services. 
- Economic recovery: release frozen assets responsibly and stabilise financial systems. 
- Employment initiatives: create job opportunities, especially for youth and women. 
- Education access: ensure schools and universities reopen for all. 
- International cooperation: support refugee-hosting countries and create safe migration pathways. 

Until these measures are taken, chronic poverty and instability will continue to fuel migration, leaving millions of Afghans without hope for a secure future at home.