Marking United Nations Day on 24 October, the UN mission in Afghanistan reaffirmed its engagement with all Afghan stakeholders to advance inclusive governance, protect human rights, and sustain global support for the Afghan people.
In its statement, the mission said it remains committed to safeguarding the dignity and rights of all Afghans through continued dialogue and international cooperation. However, it provided no details on which groups it has consulted or whether those discussions include critics of the Taliban administration.
Since the group’s takeover, the UN and the wider international community have repeatedly urged the formation of an inclusive government—a demand the Taliban has shown little willingness to meet.
The UN’s humanitarian leadership in Afghanistan appealed for renewed solidarity, stressing that the promise of the UN Charter can only be realised through peace, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
Mounting Concerns for Afghan Women
The UN mission voiced grave concern over the continued erosion of women’s and girls’ rights under Taliban rule. It said ongoing bans on education, employment, and participation in public life not only violate international norms but also jeopardise the country’s social and economic future.
The organisation reiterated its long-standing commitment to Afghanistan’s peace, justice, and development, recalling its decades-long presence during both reconstruction efforts and humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian Strain and International Response
The UN noted that its agencies and partner organisations have delivered essential services—education, healthcare, and clean water—to millions of Afghans despite mounting challenges. Yet, it warned that declining donor funding, climate pressures, and the mass return of migrants are pushing the country closer to the brink.
The mission described Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation as one of the most critical globally, with nearly two-thirds of the population in urgent need of aid.
A senior UN representative said lasting stability and development are impossible without international and regional cooperation. She emphasised that the UN remains a key forum for collective diplomacy and joint efforts to address Afghanistan’s challenges.
Reaffirming its Security Council mandate, the UN mission pledged to continue principled engagement with all Afghan actors to encourage inclusive governance, safeguard human rights, and sustain humanitarian support.
