{"id":54240,"date":"2025-03-10T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/afghanistan-top-un-envoy-calls-for-a-moment-of-realism-as-talibans-isolation-grows\/"},"modified":"2025-03-10T20:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:00:00","slug":"afghanistan-top-un-envoy-calls-for-a-moment-of-realism-as-talibans-isolation-grows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=54240","title":{"rendered":"Afghanistan: Top UN envoy calls for \u2018a moment of realism\u2019, as Taliban\u2019s isolation grows"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, warned that political engagement with the Taliban has yielded little progress, while frustration among international stakeholders is growing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe space for engagement is narrowing<\/strong>,\u201d she said, adding that some governments now question whether dialogue with the Taliban may be strengthening hardliners.<\/p>\n

At the same time, budgetary constraints, shifting global priorities and growing introspection on the part of some nations risk leaving Afghanistan \u201cpoorer, more vulnerable and more isolated,\u201d she warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an avoidable outcome, but only if all stakeholders recognize the risk and seek actively to avoid it, particularly the de facto authorities,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most helpful development would be a clear signal from the de facto authorities that they are committed to the reintegration of Afghanistan with the international community with all that it implies. This is a moment for realism.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Humanitarian crisis and funding cuts<\/h2>\n

Ms. Otunbayeva outlined the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where more than 23 million people \u2013 over half the population \u2013 require international aid and protection.<\/p>\n

However, severe funding shortfalls have already forced the closure of more than 200 health facilities, impacting nearly two million people, as well as resulted in significant reductions to essential malnutrition services.<\/p>\n

Afghanistan\u2019s economy grew by 2.7 percent in 2024<\/strong>, driven largely by regional investments in infrastructure. However, this modest growth cannot offset the sharp decline in foreign aid or the country\u2019s continued isolation from the international system.<\/p>\n

\u201cLives and livelihoods will be lost and development gains further eroded \u2026 Here we return to the question of Afghanistan\u2019s international obligations,\u201d she warned.<\/p>\n

On the security front, attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) continue, including deadly suicide bombings, while the presence of armed groups such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains a regional concern.<\/p>\n

Taliban\u2019s selective approach<\/h2>\n

The Taliban\u2019s approach to international obligations remains an obstacle to Afghanistan\u2019s reintegration into the global community, she said.<\/p>\n

The de facto authorities have engaged in some technical discussions, including counter-narcotics and private sector development. However, broader issues \u2013 especially human rights \u2013 remain largely unaddressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have so far treated the Afghan State\u2019s international obligations selectively, rejecting some on the basis they allegedly impinge on the country\u2019s sovereignty<\/strong> or violate their traditions,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She warned that these international obligations affect not only the possibility of progress along the political pathway but, crucially, \u201cthe well-being of Afghanistan\u2019s entire population.\u201d<\/p>\n

Worsening restrictions on women and girls<\/h2>\n

Particularly worrying is the situation of women and girls in the country, as the Taliban\u2019s severe restrictions on their rights and freedom persist.<\/p>\n

Ms. Otunbayeva warned the recent closure of medical institutes to female students \u2013 one of the last remaining avenues for women to receive professional education \u2013 will .further worsen maternal and infant mortality <\/strong>in the country.<\/p>\n

She also cautioned the Taliban\u2019s enforcement of its Law on the Prevention of Vice and Promotion of Virtue \u201cremains a major impediment\u201d to Afghanistan\u2019s reintegration into the international community.<\/p>\n

Call for realistic engagement<\/h2>\n

Ms. Otunbayeva emphasised that mechanisms for engagement still exist.<\/p>\n

Working groups on counter-narcotics and the private sector have provided a framework for confidence-building. In addition, the UN\u2019s proposed Comprehensive Approach for the first time identifies a framework to address the difficult issues blocking Afghanistan\u2019s reintegration into the international community.<\/p>\n

However, progress depends on political will \u2013 on all sides<\/strong>, she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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