UNAMA Hosts Exhibition in New York to Highlight Afghanistan’s Water Crisis

New York, 1 March 2025 (KHAAMA) – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has concluded a five-day exhibition at its headquarters in New York, aimed at raising global awareness of the worsening water crisis in Afghanistan. The event, which ran from 24 to 28 February, sought to draw attention to the dire shortages of clean water, the severe humanitarian consequences, and the urgent need for international support.

In a statement released on Friday, UNAMA underscored the alarming lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities across Afghanistan. The crisis has been exacerbated by years of conflict, climate change, and economic instability, posing significant threats to the health and well-being of millions.

A Crisis with Far-Reaching Consequences

The exhibition highlighted the devastating impact of the water shortage, including rising levels of hunger, displacement, and deepening social inequalities. Contaminated water sources have led to an increased risk of diseases, further burdening an already fragile healthcare system.

Women and children are disproportionately affected, UNAMA noted, with women often facing additional hardships due to gender-based inequalities, and children being highly vulnerable to waterborne illnesses. The organisation stressed the importance of addressing these issues in a gender-sensitive manner, ensuring that aid and interventions reach those most in need.

Over the past years, Afghanistan’s water scarcity has become one of the country’s most pressing challenges, severely hindering its development and worsening humanitarian conditions. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 39% of the country is experiencing critical water shortages.

A Growing Environmental and Humanitarian Emergency

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently reported that nearly 9 million Afghans are at risk due to climate-related disasters, with over 500,000 people displaced by droughts, floods, and other environmental hazards. These challenges have intensified the water crisis, placing millions at risk of food insecurity and disease.

Additionally, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Kabul’s groundwater reserves could be depleted by 2030 due to rapid urbanisation and climate change. This looming crisis threatens the capital’s growing population, potentially worsening the already dire situation.

Call for Urgent Action

The UNAMA exhibition served as a stark reminder that the water crisis in Afghanistan is not merely about access to clean water but also a broader humanitarian emergency affecting public health, displacement, and gender equality. The event called on the international community to step up efforts in providing sustainable solutions to the crisis.

Without urgent intervention, the situation could deteriorate further, deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian challenges and destabilising the country even more. Addressing the crisis requires coordinated action, increased investment in water infrastructure, and long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on Afghanistan’s fragile environment.