RASC News Agency: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revealed that 6.6 million people in Afghanistan lack adequate shelter and are in dire need of housing solutions. According to the report, a combination of factors including the high influx of returnees from neighboring countries, recurrent natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and escalating levels of poverty and unemployment has significantly exacerbated the housing crisis across the country.
UNHCR’s data underscores the devastating impact of recent natural disasters. In October 2023, earthquakes in Herat obliterated 48,000 homes, while floods throughout the year damaged or destroyed more than 18,460 residential units nationwide. The agency highlights that these crises have further eroded the resilience of communities already weakened by over four decades of conflict, amplifying the urgent need for shelter across Afghanistan.
Addressing shelter needs has remained a top priority for UNHCR in 2023. The organization has undertaken various initiatives, including the provision of permanent housing, repair assistance for damaged shelters, emergency accommodations, and the distribution of non-food essential items. These efforts aim to ensure dignified living conditions for families grappling with the compounded impacts of displacement and disaster.
The report emphasizes that adequate housing is not merely a physical necessity but also a cornerstone of dignity, safety, and privacy for families. UNHCR has prioritized its shelter support for returning refugees, internally displaced persons resettling in their areas of origin, and the most vulnerable members of affected communities. By providing targeted and sustainable housing solutions, UNHCR seeks to alleviate immediate suffering while contributing to the long-term recovery and stability of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations.
