Countries: Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan Source: UN Children’s Fund Please refer to the attached file. Key Highlights Escalation of cross-border hostilities since late February—including shelling, airstrikes, and armed clashes—has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, including children and a humanitarian worker. Although a temporary Eid ceasefire was observed (19–24 March), violence and UXO incidents persisted, particularly in eastern and southeastern regions. Mass displacement continues, with over 94,000 people (13,400 families) affected across Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Paktika. In parallel, critical infrastructure damage has disrupted essential services, including damage or closure of 25 health facilities and 41 schools, alongside destruction of homes and key civilian sites such as hospitals, markets, and fuel depots. Severe humanitarian access constraints persist in parts of Nuristan (Bargematal and Kamdesh), leaving nearly 100,000 people without access to aid, markets, or healthcare. Ongoing insecurity and cross-border fire have rendered key access routes unusable, with reported fatalities among civilians and aid workers, and worsening shortages of food and medical supplies. Border instability and explosive hazards remain critical concerns. UXO incidents continue to pose serious risks—particularly to children—while clearance operations are delayed due to insecurity, limiting safe movement and humanitarian operations. Multiple and cascading risks are impacting the most vulnerable families: Between 26 March and 6 April, heavy rainfall and flash floods affected 31 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, impacting over 73,300 people and causing at least 93 deaths. The eastern region was hardest hit. In addition there was a 5.8‑magnitude earthquake which impacted Badakhshan province on 3 April, resulting in casualties and damages. UNICEF and partners continue to deliver a multi-sectoral response across conflict-affected areas and border points, sustaining services in health, nutrition, WASH, education and child protection while adapting operations to access constraints and population movements. In addition, UNICEF is partnering with women focused organisations to deliver services which include psychosocial support, GBV information and counselling and referral to health and nutrition services for affected communities through community-based women and girls’ safe spaces. UNICEF is also coordinating with the Gender in Humanitarian Action Coordination group to conduct rapid gender and PSEA needs assessment, to strengthen protection for both female beneficiaries and female service providers. At key border locations, including in the western and southern regions, integrated services continue at scale, reaching tens of thousands of returnees with life-saving assistance, while maintaining readiness to expand operations in response to evolving needs.

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