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Afghan Fathers Sell Children to Survive

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 4 min read 3 views
Abdul Rashid Azimi sits with his children in Afghanistan, forced to sell one to survive
Afghan father forced to sell child
Key Points
  • Over 121,000 children possibly exchanged since August 2021
  • Families forced to make desperate choices due to poverty
  • 10-year-old Amina sold for $2,300
  • Afghan economy collapses after international aid withdrawal
  • Parents resort to selling children to feed their families

Abdul Rashid Azimi, a father of multiple children, is prepared to sell one of his daughters to feed the others, highlighting the desperate situation in Afghanistan.

The country's economy has collapsed, and the withdrawal of international aid has led to extreme poverty.

As a result, many families are forced to make impossible choices, including selling their children to survive.

  • Over 121,000 children have possibly been exchanged since August 2021, according to Save the Children.
  • The likelihood of finding work is low, with Juma Khan, 45, finding only three days of work in the past six weeks.

The situation has led to heartbreaking choices for families, with many parents resorting to desperate measures to feed their children.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has led to a significant increase in poverty, with many families struggling to survive.

According to Save the Children, as many as 121,000 children could have been exchanged across the country since August 2021.

'I don't want to sell my son, but I have to,' said Shakir, a father who is blind in one eye and has kidney problems.

The situation is dire, with many families forced to make desperate choices to survive.

  • 10-year-old Amina was sold for the equivalent of $2,300.
  • The Afghan economy has collapsed, leading to a shortage of food and work.

The international community has been criticized for its response to the crisis, with many arguing that more needs to be done to support the people of Afghanistan.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Crisis

The situation in Afghanistan is desperate, with many families struggling to survive.

Nosheen, 36, is pregnant with her sixth child, but her husband, Aziz, has told her that they have no choice but to sell the unborn child.

'I sold my daughter because of famine and poverty,' said one mother, who wished to remain anonymous.

The situation is heartbreaking, with many families forced to make impossible choices to survive.

  • Many families are struggling to access basic necessities like food and healthcare.
  • The international community has been criticized for its response to the crisis.

The situation in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis, and more needs to be done to support the people affected.

A Pattern Years in the Making

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has been years in the making, with the country's economy struggling to recover from decades of conflict.

The withdrawal of international aid has led to a significant increase in poverty, with many families struggling to survive.

The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a global economic downturn.

  • The Afghan economy has been heavily reliant on international aid, which has been withdrawn.
  • The country's infrastructure has been damaged by decades of conflict.

The situation in Afghanistan is complex, and a long-term solution is needed to address the root causes of the crisis.

On the Ground: How People Are Affected

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is having a devastating impact on the people, with many families struggling to survive.

The situation is particularly dire for children, who are being forced to work or sold to survive.

'No mother can do this to her child, but when you have no other choice, you have to make a decision against your will,' said one mother.

  • Many families are struggling to access basic necessities like food and healthcare.
  • The situation is having a significant impact on the mental health of those affected.

The international community needs to take immediate action to support the people of Afghanistan and address the root causes of the crisis.

Afghanistanpovertyhumanitarian crisischild exploitationTaliban rule
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