The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that ongoing hostilities in Afghanistan are causing severe psychological distress among civilians, particularly children, and called for the protection of noncombatants in accordance with international humanitarian law.
In a statement shared on social media, OCHA said conflict destroys more than homes and infrastructure, disrupting lives, fueling fear and leaving lasting impacts on mental well-being.
"Hostilities destroy more than homes and infrastructure. They disrupt lives, fuel fear and take a heavy toll on mental well-being, especially for children," OCHA said.
The agency stressed that civilians must never bear the consequences of armed conflict and urged all parties to ensure their protection in line with international humanitarian law.
OCHA also shared the testimony of residents affected by recent hostilities in the Spera district of Afghanistan's Khost province.
"Ever since the airstrikes, we haven't been able to sleep peacefully. Every loud noise makes us fear it will happen again. Our children become frightened whenever they hear an aircraft overhead," the residents said.
The statement underscores growing humanitarian concerns over the lasting psychological impact of conflict on Afghan families, particularly children living in areas affected by violence.
