WUNRN
AFGHANISTAN - MAJORITY OF AFGHANS
LIVE IN POVERTY - UN REPORT
WUNRN notes that in Annex I:
Methodology - of this report, it is stated that "Over 100 key informant
interviews were conducted at field and Kabul level to gain local experts'
(Afghan government and non-government authorities) perspectives in regard to
the needs of the poor communities, causes of poverty and solutions, and to
learn more about existing policies and processes. They key informants included
many government officials, community leaders, politicians and other
representatives of the people at different levels, including Members of
Parliament and Provincial Council members........As a method of cross-checking
our primary research results, the issues were discussed with the national and
international experts, policy makers, academicians, donor agencies, and other
key stakeholders in the country. In addition, other sources, such as media
reports, were used"......
"There was a significant gap
between the numerical data and estimates given by those interviewed with that
of officially released numbers.....
"Significant limitations in
accessing information included security considerations and less access to
female respondents. These
limitations mean that the findings are not meant to be fully representative or
comprehensive."
VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS
*.....Particular attention should be paid to
the empowerment of women and others identified in the report who are among the
least able to challenge the conditions that impoverish them."
______________________________________________________________________
Human
Rights Dimension of Poverty in Afghanistan - UN 2010 Report
Direct Link to Full 26-Page Report:
___________________________________________________________________
AFGHANISTAN - MAJORITY OF AFGHANS
LIVE IN POVERTY - UN REPORT
Widespread
corruption in
It says the majority of
Afghans live in poverty despite the fact that some $35bn (£23bn) of aid was
poured into the country between 2002 and 2009.
It says the world community is focusing too much on short-term security and too little on long-term development.
The report was prepared by
the office of the UN human rights commissioner.
The Afghan
government has not commented on the findings of the document, which was
released in
'Disillusioned'
"The [Afghan] government
is often unable to deliver basic services, such as security, food or
shelter," the 26-page UN report says.
|
|
Rupert Colville |
The
main conclusion is that the abuse of power is the key driver of poverty in
Afghanistan 
It stresses that "widespread corruption further limits access to services for a large proportion of the population", blaming Afghan officials of advancing their own interests at the expense of the general public.
It notes that
"Only 23% of the population have access to safe drinking water and only 24% above the age of 15 can read and write," said Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the office of the UN human rights commissioner.
"And basically the main conclusion is that the abuse of power is the key driver of poverty in Afghanistan, vested interests frequently shape the public agenda whether in relations to law, policy or the allocation of resources," Mr Colville said.
The document says abusive power structures should be tackled as a matter of urgency.
It also warns that "a
growing number of Afghans are increasingly disillusioned" about prospects
for a better future in the conflict-torn country.
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