Addressing the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, described the situation in Afghanistan as “perilous,” citing the reports of international institutions and warned that the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan has further aggravated the dire socio-economic situation in the country.
Mr. Faiq made the statement on Thursday, November 10, at the UNGA meeting, which was held to brainstorm a resolution for the situation in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s failure to create an inclusive, legitimate, and accountable government and their lack of will to deal with the current crisis in the country has deeply impacted the lives of all Afghans, in particular women and girls, which has resulted in further isolation of Afghanistan within the international context, Faiq added.
More than 24 million people in Afghanistan require immediate humanitarian assistance. According to Faiq’s statement, opium cultivation increased by 32% in the last year, and civilians and minorities, such as Shiites, Hazaras, Sufis, Hindus, and Sikhs, are facing various types of threats, including targeted terrorist attacks.
Fayeq added that women and girls are systematically eliminated from society. Human rights abuses and violations, arbitrary arrests, and killings of former soldiers, journalists, human rights advocates, and protesters continue to grow every day, Faiq added in his statement. Certain ethnic groups are facing forced displacement by the Taliban, Faiq emphasized.
“There are concerns about the increasing security threats caused by the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Afghan people, including women, girls and minorities, are not safe and secure in educational centers and their places of worship,” Faiq said.
Faiq referred to the UN resolution and stated that the political, security, economic and social situation of Afghanistan and their impacts on regional and extra-regional countries are reflected in this resolution. He called for immediate action by the parties involved.
Faiq expressed his concern over women and girls being deprived of their basic rights and freedoms, including the right to work and education. This has severely impacted the lives of half of Afghanistan’s society.
“The world should not neglect the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and their rights should not be compromised. Quality and equal education should be provided for all girls and boys at all levels across the country,” Mr. Faiq continued to emphasize.
Mr. Faiq further stated that without a comprehensive, inclusive government with full, equal, and meaningful participation of women, it is impossible to achieve long-lasting peace and economic and political stability in Afghanistan. According to Faiq, the Taliban must respond to the demands of the Afghan people and international community to create an inclusive government that protects and respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans.
