EU Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Afghan Women Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The European Union delegation to the United Nations in Geneva held a meeting to discuss the humanitarian crisis and the situation of women’s rights in Afghanistan. The meeting emphasized continued humanitarian aid and support for Afghan women.
The meeting was attended by Dick Pötzel, the EU Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and representatives from several countries including Australia, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Norway, France, and Sweden. The EU Ambassador underscored that the European Union stands with the people of Afghanistan and will continue to support women’s rights.
In a note posted on the social media platform X, the EU delegation stated that Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest and most complex humanitarian crises. The note also stressed the continuation of aid to the people of Afghanistan.
This comes as, following the Taliban’s return to power, severe restrictions have been imposed on the education, work, and social presence of women and girls, raising international concerns over the violation of basic women’s rights in Afghanistan. International organizations have repeatedly called on the Taliban administration to lift these restrictions and enable women access to their fundamental rights.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, had previously emphasized, during his visit to Afghanistan, the importance of access to essential services and job opportunities for returnees. He stated that without conditions that provide employment and basic services, the process of sustainable return will face serious challenges.
According to a recent United Nations report, over 13 million people in Afghanistan are experiencing severe food insecurity. Furthermore, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that in 2026, more than 10.7 million women and girls in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance, highlighting the scale of the current crisis.
