Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 17, 2025 Peace and security
"Ideologically motivated decisions" could undermine opportunities for sustainable development and exacerbate the suffering of the Afghan population. This was the warning issued by Roza Otunbayeva, who is soon to leave her post as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday.
“Shortly before I arrived in Afghanistan three years ago, a devastating earthquake struck the southeast of the country – similar to the one recently occurred in a number of eastern provinces"At that time, I visited the site of the tragedy, met with the victims, and discussed cooperation with the local de facto authorities. I saw the people's despair and their need for assistance, as well as the efforts of the local authorities. I called on the international community to provide funds, and the UN system, in cooperation with the de facto authorities, provided first emergency and then long-term assistance," she said.
However, the Special Representative continued, several months after these events, the de facto authorities imposed a ban on women's education and then banned them from working in non-governmental and international organizations. According to her, "these decisions demonstrate competing tendencies within the de facto power structures: one is more pragmatic and focused on the needs of the Afghan people, the other is focused on creating a so-called 'pure Islamic system,'" brings more and more restrictions for Afghans".
Consequences of restrictions on women
This especially affects the situation of women and girls"After three and a half years of school closures for girls above sixth grade, an entire generation risks becoming a 'lost generation'—with massive long-term consequences for the country—causing grave concern and despair throughout Afghan society," Otunbayeva emphasized.
United Nations News Service
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva.
A recent survey conducted by UN Women found that the overwhelming majority of Afghans oppose the ban on girls' education. The World Bank estimates that this restriction costs the country's economy $1.4 billion annually.
In a statement released today to mark the fourth anniversary of the ban, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell recalled that by the end of 2025, more than 2.2 million girls will be excluded from the education system. She emphasized that the devastating earthquake, which claimed the lives of over a thousand children, highlighted the "critical role of educated and skilled women in health and social care." According to Russell, "this ban poses a serious threat to the country's long-term stability and progress." "No nation can prosper if half its population is left behind," the UNICEF executive said in a statement.
Constructive steps by the de facto authorities
Otunbayeva also noted a number of positive developments since August 2021. She noted that the country has seen a reduction in the scale of armed clashes, which has ensured relative security stability.
The Special Representative also emphasized that the ban on opium poppy cultivation has remained in place since the spring of 2023, bringing long-term benefits to the region and the world, although it has had a short-term impact on the lives of some rural residents. Furthermore, the "general amnesty" announced in August 2021 has helped reduce the scale of repression in the country, despite isolated violations, which, as the head of UNAMA emphasized, "are unacceptable and must be stopped." Otunbayeva also cited decisions issued by the Taliban leadership, including the ban on torture and the right to legal representation, as well as constructive engagement with the UN Mission, which has granted human rights groups access to all 34 prisons in the country.
Choosing pragmatism to overcome the crisis
Among the main challenges facing the country, she named a reduction in humanitarian aid of almost 50 percent in 2025, a weak economy, the threat of drought and natural disasters, as well as the mass return of Afghans from neighboring countries.
“The question remains whether the de facto authorities have the pragmatism to manage this ‘perfect storm’ of crises, or whether ideologically driven decisions will hinder sustainable solutions, prolonging the suffering of Afghans and undermining existing stability,” the Special Representative said.
After the devastating earthquake
Touching on the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the head of UNAMA reported that authorities had taken steps to evacuate victims and coordinate with international agencies. However, there were also reports on new restrictions against female UN employees, which seriously undermines the ability to provide aid. "We have issued a statement calling for this ban and its enforcement to be lifted, and I urge the Security Council to support our call," Otunbayeva said.
Roza Otunbayeva is leaving her post.
Concluding her remarks, she emphasized: "As I prepare to leave Afghanistan in a few days, I remain confident that the majority of Afghans want continued engagement between the international community and their country, despite the obstacles. I sincerely hope that a path can be agreed upon that will allow this engagement to continue and produce more positive results." especially for women and girls in Afghanistan".
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