The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has responded to the accusations and criticisms it has faced over the use and transparency of the UN’s cash shipments into Afghanistan by releasing an information sheet on its website. The UN has been accused of not being transparent about the cash it transports into Afghanistan and letting it fall into the hands of the Taliban leaders, who use them for their own ends.
In an information sheet released on Monday, UNAMA explains its use of cash in Afghanistan and its audit and vetting processes, in accordance with the UN’s financial rules, stating the transfers of cash were essential for it and its partners to continue their work in the country.
The Afghan economy collapsed following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, plunging the country into a humanitarian crisis, which has been exacerbated by the group’s ban on women working as aid workers, forcing major international aid agencies to suspend their operations.
According to the UN, 28 million people in Afghanistan are dependent on aid.
Despite global outrage and calls from countries and organisations, the Taliban leaders have defended their decision as necessary to “protect our women’s dignity and honour.”
