UN-Habitat: Unequal Access to Housing Deprives Many Afghans of Clean Water

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) announced that unequal access to housing, land, and basic services has deprived many people in Afghanistan of clean water and health facilities.

UN-Habitat made the statement in a post on its X account on Monday, 3 Hamal, emphasizing that water and health services represent issues of equality, dignity, and human rights, beyond mere infrastructure concerns.

The organization noted that many families in Afghanistan are forced to walk for hours to fetch clean water, either themselves or by sending their children.

UN-Habitat referenced prior UNICEF reports stating that access to clean water reduces the need for long walks to fetch water and increases educational opportunities for children.

It also cited UNESCO announcements that in many communities, providing water remains disproportionately the responsibility of women and girls, depriving them of job and educational opportunities.