Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Bruno Lemarquis on Tuesday officially assumed his duties as the United Nations’ deputy special representative, resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan, as the country continues to face severe humanitarian and development challenges.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Lemarquis began his mission in Kabul on June 16 and will oversee the coordination of all UN agencies, funds and programmes operating in Afghanistan. He will also lead UNAMA’s development activities in the country.
Lemarquis brings decades of UN experience to the role. Most recently, he served as deputy special representative of the UN Secretary-General, resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He previously held senior positions in Haiti and at the UN Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on crisis response and recovery.
His appointment comes at a time when Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. Millions of Afghans rely on humanitarian assistance, while aid agencies have repeatedly warned of growing food insecurity, malnutrition and funding shortages affecting vulnerable communities across the country.
The country also continues to face major development challenges, including high unemployment, widespread poverty and limited economic opportunities. Humanitarian organizations say the prolonged economic downturn has left many families struggling to meet basic needs.
Restrictions on women and girls remain a key concern for the international community. Limits on education, employment and public participation have significantly affected women’s rights and have also complicated the delivery of humanitarian and development programmes in parts of the country.
The United Nations has repeatedly stressed that access to education for girls and greater participation of women in public life are essential for Afghanistan’s long-term stability, economic recovery and sustainable development.
Before joining the United Nations in 1992, Lemarquis worked with an international non-governmental organization in Haiti and Ethiopia. He holds a degree in tropical agriculture engineering from France and speaks both French and English.
UNAMA’s leadership transition comes as the UN continues efforts to coordinate international assistance and support millions of Afghans affected by economic hardship, humanitarian needs and ongoing social restrictions.