UN Secretary-General Presents Report on Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs to Security Council

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has presented a report on the situation in Afghanistan and the country's humanitarian needs to the Security Council.

The report includes a request for $1.71 billion under the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to deliver basic life-saving assistance to 17.5 million people out of 21.9 million in need.

It notes an increase in airstrikes and missile attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan. The report states: "Increased conflicts on both sides of the Durand Line with Pakistan, which include artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone activities, have caused civilian casualties and financial damages."

Guterres added that, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), poppy cultivation has significantly decreased across the country following the 2023 ban, but has shifted from the southwest to northeastern regions.

Despite relative stability in Afghanistan, the report highlights rising humanitarian, political, and economic challenges. Factors include reduced global aid, widespread migrant returns, natural events, and regional trade issues, which have exacerbated difficulties for Afghans.

The report emphasizes that restrictions on women and girls violate human rights and obstruct Afghanistan's reintegration into the international system. It calls for an immediate end to the ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade.

Restrictions on Afghan women have also impacted UN operations, with the organization requesting permission for female staff to work.

Additionally, the mass return of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries poses a major challenge, as many returnees face issues with housing, employment, and documentation.