Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, stressed the need for a political pathway to reintegrate Afghanistan into the international system, reports Khaama.com.
She emphasized that the Taliban must decide whether they want Afghanistan to be part of the global community and take necessary steps toward fulfilling their international obligations.
Otunbayeva, stated on Monday, March 10, during a Security Council meeting that the space for engagement is narrowing.
Otunbayeva pointed out that the Taliban has selectively honored Afghanistan’s international obligations, rejecting some on the grounds of sovereignty and tradition. However, she stressed that these obligations are crucial not just for political progress, but for the well-being of the Afghan population.
According to Otunbayeva, the Afghan people continue to face severe challenges, with over 23 million people requiring humanitarian assistance. The situation has worsened due to the defunding of aid, leading to the closure of over 200 health facilities and reducing essential services for children, especially in terms of malnutrition.
Despite these challenges, Afghan women have continued to play a significant role in the humanitarian response. However, with growing restrictions imposed by the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, the progress made in addressing human needs could soon collapse, leaving many Afghans in dire circumstances.
The Afghan economy showed modest growth in 2024, but it remains unsustainable without foreign aid. Although investments are occurring in infrastructure, Afghanistan’s long-term development is hindered by ongoing obstacles to its reintegration into the international system. The lack of political and economic stability continues to limit the country’s growth prospects.
On human rights, Otunbayeva highlighted the worsening situation for women and girls in Afghanistan. The Taliban has continued to impose strict restrictions, including the ban on girls’ education, which is now approaching its fourth year. Additionally, medical institutes for women were closed, exacerbating the health crisis, especially for maternal and infant care.
Otunbayeva called for the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to demonstrate commitment to international reintegration by upholding human rights and political participation. The continued isolation of Afghanistan and the deterioration of human rights risks worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The UN remains committed to supporting the Afghan people’s aspirations for peace, stability, and inclusion, and hopes for a clear signal from the Taliban to address these critical issues.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 11, 2025