UN Highlights Afghanistan Housing Crisis at Global Urban Forum in Baku
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that the severe housing challenges in Afghanistan will be a key focus of the World Urban Forum being held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The forum, taking place from May 17 to 22, will address the shelter situation and access to urban services in Afghanistan.
On Monday, April 24, UN-Habitat reported that since 2023, more than five million migrants have returned to Afghanistan, a trend that has increased pressure on urban infrastructure and the housing market. According to the agency, the rising number of returnees has led to the expansion of informal settlements.
Statistics from UN-Habitat indicate that in Kabul alone, four out of every five residents live in informal areas, where inhabitants lack adequate access to basic services such as drinking water, electricity, and sewage systems. This situation has heightened concerns over urban health and safety.
UN-Habitat forecasts that approximately four million people in Afghanistan will require emergency shelter this year. Meanwhile, urban management and housing planning under the Taliban administration face criticism for the absence of comprehensive strategies and the failure to provide essential services to returnees.
The agency emphasized that Afghanistan’s need for safe and adequate housing is greater than ever, and effectively addressing this crisis demands extensive cooperation both domestically and internationally.
