Afghanistan remains one of the most complex humanitarian landscapes globally. International NGOs (INGOs) play a vital role—from delivering emergency relief to bolstering long-term development. Let’s delve into the prominent organizations working on the ground, the scope of their impact, and the obstacles they face.
Leading International NGOs in Afghanistan
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
A longstanding humanitarian presence, the ICRC is known for providing trauma and physical rehabilitation, emergency medical care, and access to water. In 2021, they treated around 50,000 injured patients and supported 79,000 in physical therapy, while expanding water access to 49,000 people . - Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL)
Founded and run primarily by Afghan women, AIL focuses on education and healthcare, especially for women and children, empowering communities through grassroots programming . - Women for Afghan Women (WAW)
Operating since 2001, WAW provides protection and support services for Afghan women and girls both domestically and internationally. They’ve reached over 1.6 million women, with about 800 staff working within Afghanistan . - ActionAid International
Active since 2002, this organization champions women’s rights and education, advocating against discrimination and empowering female leaders. They’ve impacted over 100,000 people across multiple provinces . - Handicap International (HI)
Active since 1987, HI focuses on rehabilitation services, especially for people with disabilities and landmine survivors. They’ve established a dedicated rehabilitation center in Kandahar . - World Food Programme (WFP)
Tackling food insecurity nationwide, WFP continues its mission despite funding challenges. Operational constraints mean aid reaches only about half of those in need, with many Afghans surviving on “bread and tea” . - Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)
This NGO provides both emergency assistance and long-term poverty alleviation efforts, including food distribution and development projects . - International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC tackles disaster relief, community development, and broader humanitarian challenges, supporting vulnerable populations during crises . - CARE Afghanistan
Established in 1961 (paused during Soviet invasion, reactivated in 1989), CARE focuses on poverty alleviation and improving the welfare of women . - Concern Worldwide
This INGO delivers emergency relief, promotes food security, and advances gender equality—particularly through its AWARE program. It has supported tens of thousands of Afghans . - Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps provides agricultural support, environmental protection, and peacebuilding efforts, focusing on sustainable community resilience . - Jhpiego
Focused on maternal health, Jhpiego works to improve healthcare for mothers and newborns in critical environments . - Creative Associates International
Specializing in capacity building, this organization empowers Afghan youth through educational and community development programs . - Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees (DACAAR)
Active since 1984, DACAAR supports rural livelihoods, WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene), and sustainable development across all 34 provinces. Over 12 million Afghans have benefited from their initiatives . - AINA (Growth of Civil Society through Media)
Founded in 2001, AINA empowers women in media and independent journalism. They’ve trained over 1,000 media professionals and produced influential publications like “Afghanistan Unveiled” . - Skateistan
Innovative in its approach, Skateistan uses skateboarding and creative arts to empower young people—especially girls—in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif. Half its participants are girls, with over 2,500 children involved . - Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA / Solidarity Committee for Afghanistan)
Founded in 1980, SCA operated in healthcare, education, rural development, and disability support until early 2025, when the Taliban suspended its activities. It now works externally under its renamed identity . - Shelter Now
Established formally in 1983, this Christian humanitarian organization focuses on shelter construction and rehabilitation for war-displaced Afghans. It gained international attention after its workers were detained by the Taliban in 2001 and later rescued . - Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS)
As Afghanistan’s national affiliate of the IFRC, ARCS leads in disaster response, healthcare, and youth programs, operating in 31 of 32 provinces with thousands of volunteers and staff .
Navigating Challenges in the Humanitarian Sphere
Operating in Afghanistan is fraught with difficulties:
- Aid Constraints: Taliban-imposed restrictions, especially on female NGO staff and organizations, significantly limit operations and donor engagement .
- Funding Woes: Critical programs, including WFP’s food distribution, suffer as donor support shrinks and U.S. foreign aid stalls .
- Humanitarian Crisis: Over 6.5 million children face severe hunger in 2024—28% of the population is acutely food insecure .
- Security and Access Issues: Aid delivery is hampered by unstable roads, conflict zones, and logistical barriers .
Why This Matters
These NGOs are not merely service providers; they stand as lifelines:
- Resilience and Innovation: From skateboarding programs to media training and rural infrastructure, they adapt creatively to meet community needs.
- Multi-Sector Impact: Addressing education, healthcare, agriculture, gender equity, and infrastructure—these INGOs encompass both emergency relief and long-term development.
- Local Engagement: Many, like ARCS, DACAAR, and SCA, operate nationwide with deep community connections.
- Advocacy and Inclusion: Through empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups, these NGOs are planting seeds for sustainable change.
Reflect & Support
Would you like a breakdown by sector, region, or impact metrics? I can organize the list into thematic categories or highlight key achievements and challenges in infographic form.
Understanding who’s doing what—and where—is key to recognizing the resilience and dedication of aid actors in Afghanistan.