Afghanistan: Key risks to country's stability are accumulating - UNAMA Briefing | United Nations

UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Georgette Gagnon said that key risks to the country’s stability are accumulating and mainly stem from the de facto authorities’ own policies. The Security Council held an open briefing on the work of the 1737 Sanctions Committee concerning Iran. Addressing the Council today (16 Sep) Gagnon said, “Last month, the de facto authorities marked the fifth year of their return to power. They projected confidence, highlighting nationwide control, improved security, infrastructure development, and economic stabilization efforts as evidence of their success. They also launched an initiative to improve institutional openness and accountability.” She highlighted, “These developments are encouraging. They are occurring, however, in a context of no progress on issues that are of profound concern to the Afghan people and the international community: the severe restrictions on women and girls, exclusionary governance, a human rights crisis, and the continued presence of terrorist groups that threaten Afghanistan, the region, and international peace and security.” She said, “Food insecurity and malnutrition present a serious concern. UNICEF reports that some 3.7 million children are suffering from deficient malnutrition, including around one million children experiencing severe acute malnutrition.” She also said, “Afghanistan continues to experience an extreme demographic and socioeconomic shock. This year alone, nearly 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran, with total returns reaching reached 6.5 million since 2023.Without sustained support for returnees and host communities, competition over scarce resources risks fueling grievances, increasing displacement, and promoting instability.” She continued, “By denying women access to education, professions, and public life, the de facto authorities are not safeguarding Afghanistan’s future.” She added, “Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain another matter of serious concern. The effects of sporadic hostilities and the almost year-long border closure are taking an increasing toll on civilians, communities and businesses. UNAMA continues to encourage de-escalation and dialogue to resolve differences, including on the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.”


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