Right to Learn Afghanistan adopted its first Green Policy in its country office in Kabul in 2013. As an organization working towards human development objectives in Afghanistan, Right to Learn members realize that development without sustainable management of environmental resources is untenable. The impact of environmental degradation puts at risk the future we hope that Afghan children will inherit: one where the health and welfare of Afghans will be protected and promoted. Right to Learn has started by assessing its own practices and policies, and their impact on the environment.

Right to Learn Afghanistan has partnered with the Green Club of Afghanistan to make its Green Policy a public document in the hopes that other organizations, agencies and companies operating in Afghanistan will also adopt similar policies. Right to Learn plans to continually improve its policy, to adopt greener technologies such as solar power, and to network within the NGO community to share best practices. While a modest first action, it is an important starting point and we hope it might be a policy and regular practice others may adopt.

Afghanistan, and its capital city in particular, are facing an environmental crisis that puts millions of lives at risk, and significantly lowers the quality of life of Afghans. Despite the gravity of this crisis—which is estimated to claim far more lives than the current conflict—little is being done. The problems are manifold. Smog is now observed year-round in Kabul. Particulate emissions from vehicles, burning of wood and coal, of tires (that also contain human carcinogens), of diesel, of plastics and Styrofoam, and used motor oil have reached dangerously high levels. The United Nations Environmental Program has found that most fuels used in Afghanistan do not comply with international standards. As a result adverse health effects are widespread such as stroke, lung cancer, brain damage, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. A 2009 study by the Afghan Ministry of Public Health found that 80% of Kabul residents had lead in their blood. Lead has a seriously deleterious effect on the brain development of children, often leading to learning disabilities. A recent study of pollution in Kabul noted, “the international community and the government should realize that the worst enemy of Afghanistan is air pollution,” further noting that air pollutants are “killing many citizens every day” (Atiq Sediqi, 2010).

Right to Learn Afghanistan is committed to taking action for the environment and to changing its own practices, and strongly urges the Government of Afghanistan and the international community to adopt policies and legislation that will begin to address a crisis that greatly undermines Afghanistan’s prospects for peace and development.

View our Right to Learn Afghanistan Green Policy