67% of Afghans do not consult government institutions because these institutions most often failed to provide assistance.

KABUL, May 1^st The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has completed the first comprehensive assessment of economic and social rights in Afghanistan.

The study shows that the Government faces many challenges in order to meet the minimum standards set by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The report Economic and Social Rights in Afghanistan is the result of a joint study by AIHRC and UNHCR that was conducted between April and December 2005 in 29 provinces throughout the country, mainly in rural areas. Interviews were held with almost 8000 people to find out the main problems they experience in basic rights such as water, health, housing and education. The right to property and access to justice were also assessed.

Afghanistan ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) in 1983. This international treaty was used as the benchmark for the assessment. AIHRC measured the Governments compliance with the standards set by the Covenant.

Economic and Social Rights in Afghanistan is the first in a series of reports as AIHRC continues to monitor these rights over the next years said Dr. Sima Samar the Chairwomen of AIHRC today.

It is a unique report which illustrates to Afghans that human rights are not something far-fetched, but very relevant and tangible in their everyday lives, said Nader Nadery, AIHRC Commissioner. The Government should take all necessary steps to build a better understanding of the poorest groups in Afghanistan and to ensure that the impact of poverty reduction strategies on these groups is closely monitored.

Among the key findings:

• Half of all interviewees do not have access to safe drinking water, and more than a quarter use a water source that is shared with animals.

• Although health care facilities are available for 75.4 % of interviewees, more than half do not use the facilities because of difficulties with access and concerns over quality.

• 40.6 % of interviewees have problems with the habitability of their housing and over 10% have disputes over tenure.

• Almost half of all interviewees have at least one child under 15 years in their family who works; in almost 20% of families all the children work.

• Only 55.2% of girls who start primary school finish grade 6, compared with almost 90% of boys who start primary school finish grade 6.

• 54.5% of interviewees use customary justice mechanisms to solve their problems compared with just 38.4% who rely on formal justice mechanisms.