Herat Crackdown: UN experts and the EU condemned Taliban use of force against protesters in Herat’s Jibrail neighborhood, after women and girls were detained over dress-code rules; reports say forces opened fire and beat demonstrators, killing at least two (including a child) and injuring 12. Humanitarian Pressure: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy says humanitarian aid is sharply declining after foreign funding suspensions, even as hundreds of NGOs keep operating—warning the cuts could worsen emergency relief, healthcare, and agricultural support. Aid Access & Urban Health: Kabul residents report a severe shortage of public and mobile toilets, warning of growing public health risks as people—especially women, children, and the elderly—have nowhere safe to go. Cultural Heritage at Risk: Balkh residents warn Rawza-e-Sharif (Hazrat Ali shrine) is crumbling after the 2025 earthquake, with deterioration linked to repeated shocks, climate change, and lack of maintenance. Water & Climate Hazards: Experts warn South Asia’s monsoon may be drier overall, but intense bursts still raise flood and landslide risks; Afghanistan sits in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya “water tower” that feeds major river systems. Displacement Trends: UNHCR reports global forced displacement fell in 2025 for the first time in a decade, but many returns—including large numbers to Afghanistan—happen under pressure and unsafe conditions. Afghan-Pakistan Tensions: UNAMA urged de-escalation after Pakistan airstrikes in eastern Afghan provinces killed 13 people (including women and children) and injured 10, calling for civilian protection and aid access. Water Solutions Call: A regional “Water Solutions” research competition opened for young researchers (20–44) across Central Asia and Afghanistan, offering grants up to $3,000 for sustainable water management and climate resilience ideas.