UNAMA Hosts Exhibition to Address Water Crisis in Afghanistan

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recently held a five-day exhibition at its New York headquarters to raise awareness about the severe water crisis facing Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported. Running from February 24 to 28, the event aimed to illuminate the urgent water shortage affecting the country and the significant challenges its population encounters.

On March 1, UNAMA released a statement highlighting the critical lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities across Afghan communities. The organization emphasized the need for international support to tackle this escalating crisis, which has exacerbated hunger, displacement, and inequality. The exhibition also underscored the increased risk of diseases linked to contaminated water sources.

Women and children are particularly vulnerable, with women facing gender-based inequalities and children at heightened risk for waterborne illnesses due to inadequate sanitation. Over the years, the water shortage has become one of Afghanistan’s most pressing issues, severely impacting health and development.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently reported that nearly 9 million Afghans are at risk from climate-related disasters, with over 500,000 displaced by floods and droughts. Additionally, UNICEF warned that Kabul’s groundwater could be depleted by 2030 due to rapid urbanization and climate change.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 39% of Afghanistan is currently facing water shortages, highlighting the urgent need for concerted international action to address this multifaceted crisis.