
OCHA emphasizes funding to sustain life-saving aid
According to OCHA, humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are expected to remain high this year, and it emphasizes that timely, flexible funding is critical to sustaining life-saving aid.

According to OCHA, humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are expected to remain high this year, and it emphasizes that timely, flexible funding is critical to sustaining life-saving aid.

The Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) covering Afghanistan says children in the country are still paying a high price for unexploded ordnance.

Findings by Salam Watandar from interviews with 30 youth—20 girls and 10 boys—show that having practical skills, in addition to academic qualifications, plays an important role in job selection. Youth who have learned practical skills such as computer use and English are more likely to be employed in related fields. In contrast, youth who lack practical skills are mostly engaged in jobs unrelated to their field of study.

Legal experts and religious scholars emphasize that women have the right to insert lawful conditions in the marriage certificate (Nikah Nama) prior to marriage, and if the husband fails to act in accordance with such conditions, the wife may demand her rights through legal channels. However, some women complain that after years of marriage, the very conditions agreed by their husbands’ side prior to the marriage certificate have not been fulfilled.

A youth in Badakhshan has developed softwares that simplifies everyday tasks for users. Amin Shahraniz, a 27-year-old graduate of the Computer Science Faculty at Badakhshan University, says he developed the “Nakhak” and “Chatyar” applications in just over one month at a cost of 10,000 Afghanis.

This national survey was conducted in 2025 to assess levels of humor and happiness among youths aged 18 to 35 in Afghanistan. The findings indicate that 62% of young respondents consider themselves humorous, and 81.5% use humor to reduce stress.

The findings show that 62% of youths consider themselves humorous, and 81.5% use humor to reduce stress. At the same time, 42% are unemployed, 34.4% are employed, and 23.6% are students. In terms of gender, more men (69.8%) describe themselves as humorous than women (56.7%).

Findings by Salam Watandar from interviews with 15 couples on the verge of marriage in Afghanistan show that 11 couples have postponed their wedding ceremonies due to the unprecedented rise in gold prices. In some cases, this crisis has also led to separations and serious family tensions.

The results of a Salam Watandar interview with 18 teachers who are also mothers, conducted across six provinces—Panjshir, Sar-e Pol, Daikundi, Baghlan, Kabul, and Samangan—show that 13 of them have been able to achieve a balance between teaching and motherhood through planning, division of responsibilities, and family support. However, the remaining five face serious challenges due to lack of family support and resources.

A number of obstetricians and gynecologists at Malalai Hospital say that premarital counseling is important for both girls and boys, and that examinations such as blood group and Rh factor, hormonal tests, spermograms, evaluations of male and female reproductive health, and uterine health checks are essential before marriage.

Although Islamic Sharia emphasizes consultation and mutual family understanding in decision-making — including marriage — in many families in Afghanistan the role of mothers in this process is overlooked, and they are excluded from decision-making.

With the arrival of spring, the flower and plant market has taken on a fresh look, and youth working in this sector report increased sales during this season. Many of them turned to this profession because of their personal interest and the lack of job opportunities. By cultivating different kinds of ornamental plants, they not only beautify the environment but also create a source of income for themselves.