More than half of the population in Afghanistan depends on humanitarian assistance for survival.
Social PolicyAfghanistan
- Error detected
- The claim states that 'more than half' of Afghanistan's population depends on humanitarian assistance for survival. The most authoritative and recent official data (OCHA 2026 HNRP) puts the figure at 45 per cent — approximately 21.9 million out of a population of roughly 48 million. This is more than 5 percentage points below the 'more than half' threshold asserted by the MEP.
- Omissions
- The MEP did not cite a specific year or source for the figure. The most current data available at the time of the speech (the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, published December 2025) places the proportion at 45%, not 'more than half.'
- While some secondary interpretations of the 2025 data (22.9 million) have described it as 'more than half,' OCHA's own official characterisation is 'almost half,' suggesting the MEP's framing exaggerates even the slightly higher 2025 estimate.
- The claim uses the phrase 'depends on humanitarian assistance for survival,' which conflates 'people projected to require humanitarian assistance' with actual dependency — a subtle but meaningful distinction, as the HNRP figure includes people with various levels of need, not all of whom are entirely reliant on aid for survival.
- Sources
- PrimaryUN OCHA — AfghanistanIn 2026, around 21.9 million people – approximately 45 per cent of the population – are projected to require humanitarian assistance, reflecting the combined impact of economic collapse, climate shocks, and restrictive policies on women and girls.
- PrimaryUN OCHA — Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026In 2026, around 21.9 million people – approximately 45 per cent of the population – are projected to require humanitarian assistance.
- SecondaryUN News45 per cent of the population – some 21.9 million people – in need of humanitarian assistance next year [2026].
- SecondaryReliefWeb — HNRP 2026 SummaryIn 2026, an estimated 21.9 million people—45 per cent of Afghanistan's population—will require humanitarian assistance.