KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Government of Japan has pledged JPY 1.166 billion (approximately US$7.36 million) to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) over the next three years.
The UN Habitat said in a statement today that this funding aims to improve essential services and livelihoods for over 100,000 vulnerable urban residents in Afghanistan, particularly in the wake of last year’s devastating earthquakes in Herat province.
Afghanistan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, worsened by decades of conflict and neglect of infrastructure. While international efforts have concentrated on life-saving assistance, urban populations often remain underserved.
“We need to shift our focus from solely humanitarian aid to addressing basic human needs for inclusive recovery,” stated Ms. Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Representative of UN-Habitat. “Our partnership with Japan will accelerate efforts to strengthen resilience in community infrastructure and support Afghan communities.”
Japan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dr. Takayoshi Kuromiya, highlighted the importance of resilience and sustainable livelihoods, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
The initiative “Project for the Improvement of Living Environment for Vulnerable People in Urban Areas” will focus on Kabul and Herat, rehabilitating critical infrastructure such as healthcare facilities and water systems. The project aims not only to enhance living conditions but also to create income opportunities and provide vocational training.
With over 23 million people—more than half the population—needing humanitarian assistance in 2024, the challenges are urgent. Afghanistan has also faced numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides, exacerbating the situation for an already impoverished population.
Compounding these issues, humanitarian agencies are confronting one of the most severe funding shortfalls in recent years. The UN’s $3.07 billion humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan is significantly underfunded, with only 25% of the required funds secured to date.
