As Afghanistan faces mounting housing pressures, the UN-Habitat said shelter challenges will be a key focus at the upcoming World Urban Forum in Baku later this month.
UN-Habitat said more than five million migrants have returned to Afghanistan since 2023, increasing strain on already limited housing and urban services, with informal settlements expanding rapidly across major cities.
In the capital Kabul, around four in five residents are estimated to be living in informal areas with limited access to basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
The agency warned that the influx of returnees has compounded existing shortages, making access to adequate housing more difficult and increasing pressure on fragile urban infrastructure.
Afghanistan’s housing sector has been severely impacted by years of conflict, economic decline and limited investment, leaving millions without access to safe and durable shelter, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
Humanitarian agencies estimate that about four million people in Afghanistan will require emergency shelter assistance this year, underscoring urgent needs as displacement and return movements continue.
The World Urban Forum, scheduled from May 17 to 22, is expected to bring together global policymakers and development actors to address urban challenges, with Afghanistan’s housing crisis emerging as a key concern.
UN-Habitat said addressing informal settlements and expanding access to basic services will be critical to improving living conditions and supporting long-term stability in the country. https://www.khaama.com/un-warns-of-rising-shelter-needs-in-afghanistan-ahead-of-global-forum/
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