Selling children to survive: Afghan fathers forced to make impossible choices
In Afghanistan today, a staggering three in four people cannot meet their basic needs.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"My children went to bed hungry three nights in a row. My wife was crying, so were my children."
— Juma Khan , Other
"I got a call saying my children hadn't eaten for two days."
— Rabani , Other
"We are starving. My older children died, so I need to work to feed my family."
— Khwaja Ahmad , Other
"I'm willing to sell my daughters."
— Abdul Rashid Azimi , Other
"I had no money to pay the medical expenses. So I sold my daughter to a relative."
— Saeed Ahmad , Other
Key People
A father willing to make unimaginable sacrifices to support his children.
A father struggling to provide for his family amid severe economic hardship in Afghanistan.
Mother of twins facing extreme poverty and hunger in Afghanistan.
An elderly father struggling to find work to feed his family.
A father in Afghanistan facing extreme desperation due to unemployment.
A father forced to sell his daughter due to financial struggles.
Tags
All Coverage
In Afghanistan today, a staggering three in four people cannot meet their basic needs.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
'Stain on the country': Trump criticises Norway over Nobel Peace Prize
The US president told a rally he had "never heard of" the winner, former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
October 10, 2026 at 04:07 AMNavi Pillay, former UN human rights chief, wins Nobel Peace Prize
Pillay is recognised for her "efforts to promote peace and international law", the Norwegian Nobel Committee says.
October 9, 2026 at 05:37 PMFormer ICC judge Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize - Reuters
Former ICC judge Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 12:03 PMDoctor accused of 1994 Rwanda genocide offences to face trial in UK
Dr Vincent Brown was allegedly a "leader" or "supervisor" of violent acts carried out by others in the early days of the genocide.
October 9, 2026 at 11:44 AMAs freezing winter approaches, Kyiv residents look for shelter elsewhere
A renewed Russian campaign of strikes on power and energy infrastructure has made some contemplate leaving Ukraine's capital.
October 9, 2026 at 04:53 AM'You can talk about your feelings without anybody judging you'
Around 100 school children have taken part in an art project to help them deal with bereavement.
October 8, 2026 at 11:07 PM