KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Georgette Gagnon, Political Deputy of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), has visited Bamyan province amid growing local concern over the steep decline in international aid and deepening poverty.
According to a statement posted by UNAMA on Facebook today (May 29), Gagnon met with Taliban officials, women, local elders, and business owners. During the meetings, residents expressed alarm over the dramatic reduction in humanitarian support and the worsening political, social, and economic conditions across the province.
Gagnon visited several institutions during her trip, including Bamyan Radio, a local educational center, a drug treatment facility for women and children, and a health clinic in the Shibar district.
At Bamyan Radio, female journalists briefed Gagnon on the station’s initiatives targeting women and girls, especially around education and health. They also underscored the urgent need for continued support of local media under increasingly restrictive conditions.
UNAMA said Gagnon reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to the Afghan people and emphasized the importance of safeguarding education for women and girls. She also discussed ongoing international efforts to engage with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.
Afghanistan’s humanitarian response is under immense strain following the suspension of U.S. funding and a sharp decline in international assistance. Millions of Afghans are now cut off from lifesaving aid.
The World Food Programme recently warned that, due to severe budget shortfalls, it will only be able to reach one million people this summer, despite three million urgently needing food assistance.
