Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Otunbayeva, presented a report on the situation in Afghanistan to the UN Security Council last night (March 10).
Otunbayeva emphasized in the report that the current authorities of the interim government should clarify whether they want to integrate with the international community or not.
“It is the responsibility of the de facto authorities to indicate whether they want Afghanistan to be reintegrated into the international system and, if so, whether they are willing to take the necessary steps,” said Otunbayeva.
Otunbayeva also highlighted concerns regarding the possible conclusion of UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan, warning that the situation would further deteriorate.
The UN representative stated that she hopes UNAMA’s mandate in Afghanistan will be extended next week.
In the report, Otunbayeva claimed that Afghans fear increased isolation and marginalization, and the reduction of humanitarian aid is another major concern for them.
“In 2025, more than 50 percent of the population — some 23 million people — require humanitarian assistance. But this assistance is rapidly decreasing. The defunding of assistance is already having and will continue to have a significant impact on the Afghan people. In the past month, more than 200 health facilities have closed,” she said.
Otunbayeva said that essential malnutrition services for children have been limited, and implementing partners have significantly reduced their footprint and coordination capacity.
The head of UNAMA said that the Afghan economy grew around 2.7 percent in 2024. Investments, especially in infrastructure, supported by regional countries, are taking place, but in the short- and medium-term current levels of growth cannot compensate for the drop in foreign aid and the growing population, she said.
She also mentioned the closure of medical institutes for girls, stating that it has further worsened the healthcare situation.
“This new restriction deepens a long-term gap in the country’s capacity to protect the
health of women and indeed all Afghans. This will further worsen maternal and infant mortality in Afghanistan, already one of the highest in the world,” she stated.
She called on the international community to support the caretaker government in cultivating alternatives to poppy cultivation.
The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) makes these remarks as the mission is set to conclude on March 17 of this year. So far, the Security Council has not clarified its stance on extending or terminating the mission.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has also not yet reacted to these statements.