Former UN Official Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
A former United Nations official has stated that Afghanistan is currently grappling with one of the world’s most complex and severe humanitarian and protection crises, exacerbated by widespread restrictions and economic pressures.
Indrika Ratwatte, former Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan, wrote in an article that the Taliban administration’s imposed restrictions on women and girls, especially in education and employment, combined with pervasive poverty and economic stagnation, have profoundly impacted the lives of millions in the country. He emphasized that these restrictions not only violate fundamental women’s rights but also exclude them from active participation in society.
According to him, the reduced access of women and girls to essential services has also complicated humanitarian aid efforts, as some of these services depend on the involvement of women in social and relief structures. This is despite the Taliban maintaining broad restrictions on women’s work and education.
Ratwatte further noted that in the past two years, around five million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries, placing heavy strain on basic services. Many of these returnees arrived without basic necessities and urgently require humanitarian assistance.
He also highlighted the impact of recent droughts, floods, and earthquakes, stating that these natural disasters have destroyed homes and livelihoods for numerous families, further deteriorating the humanitarian situation.
