Summarizing ambassadors in Security CouncilRoza Otunbayeva, a special representative of the UN Secretary-General, warned that political involvement with Taliban has produced little progress, while frustration among international stakeholders is growing.
“The space for engagement is narrowingShe said, adding that some governments now question whether the dialogue with the Taliban may be strengthening the hardliners.
At the same time, budgetary restrictions, changing global priorities and growing introspection from some nations, are in danger of making Afghanistan “poorer, more vulnerable and more isolated,” she warned.
“This is a preventable result, but only if all stakeholders recognize the risk and actively seek to avoid it, especially the authorities,” she said.
“The most useful development would be a clear sign of the actual authorities that they are committed to the reintegration of Afghanistan with the international community with everything it implies. This is a moment for realism.”
Humanitarian crisis and financing cuts
Otunbayeva described the terrible humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where more than 23 million people – more than half of the population – require international help and protection.
However, serious financing deficits have already forced the closing of more than 200 health facilities, impacting nearly two million people, and resulted in significant reductions to essential malnutrition services.
Afghanistan’s economy grew 2.7 % in 2024largely driven by regional investments in infrastructure. However, this modest growth cannot compensate for the strong decline of foreign aid or the continuous isolation of the country of the international system.
“Lives and subsistence means will be lost and development gains corrode even more … Here we return to the issue of international obligations in Afghanistan,” she warned.
In the security front, the Islamic State attacks in Iraq and the Khorasan Levante (Isil-K) continue, including deadly suicide attacks, while the presence of armed groups such as Tehrik-E Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains a regional concern.
Taliban’s selective approach
Taliban’s approach to international obligations remains an obstacle to the reintegration of Afghanistan in the global community, she said.
Authorities have actually been involved in some technical discussions, including counter-narcotics and private sector development. However, broader questions – especially human rights – remain widely not addressed.
“So far, they have treated the international obligations of the Afghan state, rejecting some based on what allegedly affect the sovereignty of the country Or violate your traditions, ”she said.
She warned that these international obligations affect not only the possibility of progress along the political path, but crucially “the welfare of the whole population of Afghanistan.”
Worsening restrictions on women and girls
Particularly worrying is the situation of women and girls in the country, as Taliban’s severe restrictions on their rights and freedom persist.
Otunbayee warned the recent closure of medical institutes for female students – one of the last remaining avenues for women to receive vocational education – Will.MORE MORE MORE AND CHILD MORTALITY in the country.
She also warned Taliban’s application on her law on addiction prevention and the promotion of virtue “remains a major impediment” to the reintegration of Afghanistan in the international community.
Request a realistic engagement
Otunbayeva emphasized that there are still engagement mechanisms.
Working groups on counter-narcotics and private sector provided a structure for the construction of confidence. In addition, the comprehensive approach proposed by the UN for the first time identifies a structure to address difficult issues that block the reintegration of Afghanistan in the international community.
However, progress depends on political will – on all sidesshe said.
