UN Security Council Meeting; Emphasis on Consequences of Taliban’s Misogynistic Policies and Humanitarian Crisis

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The United Nations Security Council’s quarterly meeting on Afghanistan was held on Monday (23 June). In this session, UN representatives and member states emphasized the consequences of the Taliban’s continued repressive policies, especially toward women, and the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, stated that continued restrictions against women and girls are one of the main obstacles to Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international system. She added, “This path cannot be achieved without real improvement in the human rights situation, especially women’s rights.”

She also referred to upcoming meetings in Doha aimed at clarifying the details of the “Mosaic” plan, saying the goal of the process is to find a way for Afghanistan’s gradual integration into the global community.

Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also said in the session that the Afghan people are facing persistent and severe humanitarian needs. Referring to structural poverty, widespread restrictions against women, and a sharp decline in funding, she warned, “One in five Afghans faces hunger, and three suffer from severe malnutrition.”

She also said that around 3.7 million children are out of school, including 2.2 million girls over the age of 11 who are not allowed to attend school. According to Msuya, Afghan female aid workers, despite threats, continue to work on the front lines of humanitarian service.

Dorothy Shea, the United States representative to the United Nations, referred to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and stated that Washington’s policy toward the country is under review.

She emphasized, “The United States’ primary focus in Afghanistan now is protecting the lives of American citizens, reducing terrorist threats, and ensuring the freedom of all detained Americans.” She warned that Afghanistan must not once again become a safe haven for terrorist groups or a tool for hostage-taking.

The meeting also stressed that Taliban policies, particularly the ban on women’s education and employment, are not only violations of human rights but also severely hinder aid delivery efforts.

This comes as the UN Secretary-General, in his recent quarterly report, stressed that the Taliban continue their misogynistic policies and there are no signs of any change in the group’s approach.