LOC09:59
06:59 GMT
UNSC meeting
NEW YORK, March 11 (KUNA) -- The Afghan people had been facing decades-long humanitarian crises with poverty, conflicts, and climate shifts being the main culprits, which required a serious support from the international community, said a UN official.
Speaking to the UNSC meeting on the situation in Afghanistan late Monday, Roza Otunbayeva -- Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan -- said that "The de facto authorities have, so far, treated [Afghanistan's] international obligations selectively," adding that these international obligations "affect not only the possibility of progress along the political pathway, but, most crucially, the well-being of Afghanistan's entire population."
She indicated that international happenings, budget restrictions, and increasing focus by the government on internal issues were all factors that threaten to increase poverty, weaken Afghanistan, and increase its isolation.
Otunbayeva, also Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), affirmed that international obligations were not an obstacle facing political decisions, which should focus on the welfare of the Afghan people.
On human rights, the UN official said that there were huge restrictions imposed on women despite international cries against such actions, adding that banning women and girls from education and work reflected a sad truth especially with the recent celebration of the international women day.
Otunbayeva asserted that the UN and international partners had taken decisions to increase humanitarian aid and measuring it up with basic human needs in a step showcasing support to the Afghan people.
She reiterated that mechanisms, which prevented Afghanistan from reintegrating with the international community were still standing, adding that the UN's comprehensive plan for Afghanistan aimed at addressing major obstacles preventing Afghanistan from rejoining its global partners. (end)
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