United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan
UNITED NATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR AFGHANISTAN
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been a notable improvement in the security situation, violent extremist groups are still active, and
lingering tensions and grievances continue to pose a threat to stability and to the work of the UN.
Apart from UNAMA and a few donors, international political engagements with the de facto
authorities have been limited, and close to no progress has been made since August 2021 on policy
changes essential to restart more 'regular' development cooperation. Consequently, it has become
extremely challenging to protect space for impartial, neutral, independent humanitarian action and
principled basic human needs assistance, especially in the aftermath of the ban on women working
for NGOs and the UN. As a result, the ability of the international donor community to deliver principled
assistance to the people of Afghanistan has been dramatically reduced.
2.2
Socioeconomic Context
In recent years, socioeconomic and human development in Afghanistan has deteriorated, with the
most severe consequences falling on the most vulnerable and marginalized, including women and
girls. The gains made towards the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs over the past two decades have rapidly
eroded, including economic decline and the systematic violation of the rights of women and girls. This
trend will be compounded by continued population growth without a corresponding increase in
economic performance and service delivery.
In addition to the many years of conflict, Afghanistan has suffered from the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic and the global economic slowdown. Following the Taliban takeover, the country's economy
was further impacted by the suspension of non-humanitarian international assistance and the
isolation from the international financial system. The economy contracted by 20.7 per cent in 2021,
followed by a further contraction of 3.6 per cent in 2022. Considering a population growth rate around
2 per cent, per capita income is estimated to have fallen by a total of 30 per cent between 2020 and
2022. In addition, the exclusion of women from the workforce is placing significant additional
constraints on economic growth.
As of early 2023, the de facto authorities have appeared to stabilize the downward economic
trajectory, including on taxation, regional trade, and internal commerce. However, despite
improvements in exports during 2022, the current account deficit is expected to widen. Headline
inflation receded from 18.3 per cent in July 2022 to 3.5 per cent in February 2023 year-on-year as
global fuel and food prices trended downward and the exchange rate stabilized. The country's foreign-
exchange reserves abroad remain frozen, and the financial system is still restricted. Firms and
individuals continue to face difficulties withdrawing cash from banks, particularly for pre-August 2021
deposits. While significant international donor assistance has mitigated some economic decline, the
economy has not recovered to its pre-2021 levels, and prospects are not favourable.
The current crisis has devastated the lives and livelihoods of many Afghans, especially in rural areas,
with women and girls being particularly affected due to further restrictions placed on their education;
freedom of movement; ability to work; and participation in social, economic, and political life. In
September 2021, the de facto authorities re-opened secondary schools only for boys and in March
3 UNDP (2022). Afghanistan Socio-Economic Outlook.View entire presentation