UNICEF: Afghan Children Did Not Create the Climate Crisis, Yet They Suffer the Most

Image: unicef

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Afghanistan, despite contributing very little to global climate change, is now facing one of the world’s worst water and climate crises; a disaster threatening the lives of millions of children.

Tajuddin Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, said on the occasion of the opening of the global climate summit (COP30): “There is no representative from Afghanistan at this summit, even though the country’s children are among those most affected by the impacts of climate change.”

He added that drought, earthquakes, and recurrent floods are devastating the health, nutrition, and future of Afghan children, while the country faces a severe drinking water crisis. According to him, more than half of Afghanistan’s water sources have dried up, and eight out of ten people are drinking contaminated water.

Oyewale said that urban water supply and sanitation systems are collapsing under the pressure of natural disasters and environmental degradation, while waterborne diseases are on the rise.

UNICEF’s report stressed that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most underfunded humanitarian crises, with only 5 percent of the required funding secured to provide access to safe water and climate-resilient services.

The organisation stated that UNICEF and its partners continue to assist affected families and children by installing solar-powered pumps, creating rainwater storage networks, and providing emergency health services to maintain access to clean water and essential support.

Oyewale emphasised: “The children of Afghanistan did not create the climate crisis, but they are paying the highest price for it.”

This warning comes after several international organisations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), reported a sharp rise in poverty, malnutrition, and humanitarian suffering in Afghanistan, particularly among women and children. Experts warn that with ongoing drought, forced repatriations, and dwindling global aid, the country is on the brink of another humanitarian catastrophe.