Ratwatte: Recognition of Islamic Emirate Responsibility of UN

In an exclusive interview with TOLOnews, he emphasized the importance of dialogue, addressing challenges, and finding solutions.

Ratwatte stated: “Different member states, as you have seen in many of their statements, the Security Council and others have put the issues of concern forward. One issue remains obviously, the space for girls and women in the country, but these are very specific issues that have been put forward, and I think dialogue, sitting down, looking at the issues of concern for the international community, looking at the issues of concern for the de facto authorities and having roadmap to try to sit together and advance those issues step-by-step together is incredibly important.”

Referring to the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, the UN official said efforts are underway to encourage the governments of both countries to engage in dialogue so that the return of migrants can be conducted voluntarily.

He said: “That is a deep concern for us. We are trying to encourage dialogue between the two governments and play a… role that we can have voluntarily safe and dignified returns into the country.”

The deputy head of the UN mission also assured continued efforts toward long-term investment in Afghanistan, announcing that since 2021, approximately $14 billion has been allocated for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

Indrika Ratwatte added: “The international community, the UN, and partners together with media outlets and others like yourself, highlighted the needs of the people of Afghanistan. And around $14 billion have been provided in humanitarian assistance mostly and basic human needs assistance since August 2021.”

The deputy representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan also expressed concern over the reduction of humanitarian aid, noting that around 23 million people in Afghanistan will need humanitarian assistance in 2025.