More than a third of Afghans are living in abject poverty, as those in power are more concerned about addressing their vested interests rather than the basic needs of the population, a United Nations report said Tuesday.

"Abuse of power is a key driver of poverty in Afghanistan. Vested interests frequently shape the public agenda, whether in relation to the law, policy or the allocation of resources," said the report compiled by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In the scathing report, the office said that the government is "often unable to deliver basic services such as security, food or shelter" and that rampant corruption added a further challenge to overcoming poverty in the country.

As a result, nine million Afghans or 36 per cent of the population are living in "absolute poverty" while another 37 per cent live barely above the poverty line.

"Poverty is neither accidental or inevitable in Afghanistan," said the report.

It noted that while conflict and insecurity in the country are contributing to the problem, much of the blame should also be placed on "widespread impunity and inadequate investment in . . . human rights."

Rupert Colville, spokesman for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the country was also locked in a "vicious cycle" as the poor are driven to take up arms.

"One can be supported [financially] by the group for whom one is fighting. It's sort of a vicious cycle," Colville said.