Afghanistan: Growing humanitarian need - Press Conference

Top official at UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) told reporters, “Airstrikes and cross border clashes have disrupted the delivery of humanitarian assistance and contributed to both primary and secondary displacement,” reiterating the Secretary-General's call for “restraint de-escalation for the parties to recommit to a ceasefire and for renewed diplomatic engagement.” Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) spoke to reporters via video link, She said, “looking ahead, we're concerned that after Eid al-Fitr, the situation could deteriorate further and we urge both sides to step back, accept mediation and prevent a broader regional crisis.” Gagnon also reminded the de facto authorities of their international obligations on counterterrorism, “particularly on concerns raised by neighboring States.” She also briefed on how the conflict in the Middle East is already negatively affecting Afghanistan, “with traditional trade corridors disrupted and instability affecting regional supply routes, prices of basic commodities in Afghanistan are rising, adding pressure on an already fragile economy.” “Humanitarian partners anticipate new inflows of Afghan returnees, adding strain to the communities that are already hosting millions who have returned since 2023,” Gagnon added. The top UNAMA official also said, “the continued shocks economic, humanitarian and political underscore Afghanistan's isolation from the international system, which remains a core obstacle to addressing the country's longer term stability, economic growth and human rights concerns.” On the UN's engagement, she said, the mission continues to “pursue principled and pragmatic political engagement through the Doha Process, in line with the independent assessment and the mandate given by the UN Security Council.” “This engagement is the only structured multilateral platform where the concerns of all the Afghan people, the international community and the de facto authorities can be addressed fairly and constructively,” Gagnon added. She also said, “the de facto authorities decisions continue to undermine prospects for reintegration, particularly restrictions on women and girls, and the ban preventing UN female national staff from reporting to their places of work.” “These measures are inconsistent with Afghanistan's international obligations and impair our ability to deliver assistance and reach, particularly women and girls,” the top UNAMA official concluded.