UN-Habitat: Informal Settlements in Afghanistan Make Life Difficult, Especially for Women and Girls

Kokcha News Agency: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has raised concerns about the challenging living conditions in informal settlements across Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls. In a statement on Monday, August 20, UN-Habitat emphasized the urgent need for action to support citizens in the face of climate change.

UN-Habitat noted that women and girls in these settlements face severe shortages of basic services, including access to clean water. The organization had previously reported that approximately 40% of Afghanistan’s urban population lives in Kabul, with the majority residing in informal settlements.

The program also highlighted that most returnees are relocated to these informal settlements, where they struggle with inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services. The lack of proper housing, sanitation, and clean water exacerbates the already difficult living conditions for these communities.

The statement underscores the broader challenges faced by Afghanistan’s urban population, particularly in the context of climate change, which has further strained resources and infrastructure. UN-Habitat called for immediate intervention to improve living conditions and provide support to vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by these challenges.