United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, on Thursday, warned that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is fast depleting and the Taliban-ruled country is ‘hanging by a thread’. He also highlighted the worsening condition of women and girls in the war-torn country and added that with the onset of harsh winters, Afghanistan is becoming a ‘frozen hell’.
“At this moment, we need the global community – and this Council – to put their hands on the wheel of progress, provide resources, and prevent Afghanistan from spiraling any further,” Guterres said during his briefing to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Afghanistan.
He also urged the Taliban to fulfill the promises they had made to the global community towards ensuring the human rights of civilians including women and children since they came to power on August 15, 2021.
Suspend restrictions, sanctions that hamper Afghan economy: UN chief
“As a matter of moral responsibility – and regional and global security and prosperity – we cannot abandon the people of Afghanistan,” Guterres said. He also highlighted that the economy of Afghanistan is collapsing and the country is becoming a frozen hell. He stressed that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan has worsened and many families are being forced to sell their babies so that they can buy food.
“If we do not act and help Afghans weather this storm, the region and the world will pay a heavy price,” the UN chief further said. He also urged the global community to suspend restrictions and sanctions that may hamper the Afghanistan economy and the humanitarian operations in that country.
