Afghanistan has, for the second consecutive year, ranked last among 194 countries in the 2026 Global Child Rights Index.
This index is produced by the Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation in collaboration with Erasmus University Rotterdam. It assesses children’s living conditions, health, education, safety, and the enabling environment for the protection of their rights.
According to the 2026 report, Afghanistan ranked 194th with a score of 0.214. Chad and Guinea are placed just above Afghanistan, ranking 193rd and 192nd respectively.
The report indicates that Luxembourg, Iceland, and Monaco performed best in safeguarding children’s rights, while Afghanistan is the only country with an overall score below 0.3.
The Global Child Rights Index is based on 22 indicators and draws on data and assessments from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
The report also warns of a worsening global situation for children, noting that more than 20 percent of the world’s children live within 50 kilometers of conflict zones. Rising child casualties, displacement, food insecurity, and disruptions to education are highlighted as major concerns.
Although the analytical section of the report is not specifically focused on Afghanistan, the authors emphasize that wars and humanitarian crises continue to undermine children’s rights in many countries. Afghanistan is among the countries identified as potentially facing increased food insecurity due to regional crises and economic challenges.
The report is released at a time when the Taliban continue to impose extensive restrictions on women and girls. The ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and the exclusion of women from many social and professional spheres are among the restrictions that have been consistently criticized by international organizations.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
