EU Humanitarian Official Meets Taliban-Appointed Governor in Herat
Andreas Papaconstantinou, Director for Humanitarian Operations and Civil Protection at the European Union, met with Sheikh Mawlawi Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the Taliban-appointed governor of Herat, during his visit to the province. The meeting focused on assessing the situation of returnees and the continuation of the EU’s humanitarian assistance in various sectors.
According to a statement from the Taliban-run Herat provincial media office, the discussions between the two sides included support for returnees and ongoing humanitarian aid provided by the European Union. Papaconstantinou expressed appreciation for local cooperation and welcomed the continuation of joint efforts.
He also stated that the European Union remains committed to supporting vulnerable people in Afghanistan and is ready to continue its humanitarian assistance in different areas. This comes at a time when many international organizations have expressed concern over the human rights situation and restrictions on freedoms following the Taliban’s return to power.
According to local officials, Islamjar pledged during the meeting that the Taliban administration is prepared to cooperate with foreign entities within the framework of its internal laws and policies. He emphasized the Taliban’s efforts to improve the economy, create jobs, and lay the groundwork for economic growth.
However, numerous reports from inside Afghanistan point to a deteriorating humanitarian situation, increasing restrictions on basic rights and freedoms, and a significant decline in the presence of aid organizations—a condition that demands greater accountability from the Taliban administration in meeting the expectations of the international community.
