UN report reveals deep‑seated trauma and unmet needs among Afghan civilians after decades of war

Afghanistan has endured more than four decades of continuous armed conflict, a period that has produced massive loss of life and forced millions to flee their homes. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recorded more than 40,000 civilian deaths and more than 77,000 injuries between 2009 and 2021, the years leading up to the Taliban’s takeover. To capture the human dimension of this devastation, UNAMA interviewed almost 200 victims and their families, revealing how the war’s legacy continues to shape everyday reality across the country.

The trauma reported by interviewees is both mental and physical. Ninety‑five percent described emotional or psychological damage, describing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, memory loss and flashbacks. Nearly sixty percent also suffered physical injuries that have persisted for months, years or even decades, leaving many with chronic pain or disability. The lasting health problems have curtailed education and work opportunities, pushing some families into deeper poverty. Women who lost husbands face heightened economic insecurity, compounded by restrictions imposed by the de‑facto authorities that limit their access to employment.

Justice remains elusive for most survivors. More than half of those interviewed (55 %) have never tried to obtain compensation, often because they doubt their concerns would be taken seriously or fear retaliation. Among the 45 % who did seek redress, nearly two‑thirds (64 %) reported that their attempts failed, citing bureaucratic hurdles, lack of response, perceived discrimination and limited transparency from authorities. When asked about priorities, 81 % said financial compensation was essential, while 48 % emphasized the need for access to justice and 47 % called for personal security guarantees. UNAMA official Georgette Gagnon stressed that acknowledging the harm and centering victims’ rights are key to any response.