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🇦🇫 Afghanistan /Conflict & Security

Afghanistan faces challenges despite some progress: UNAMA

From Pajhwok Afghan News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Newswire Named sources Context piece
  • Afghanistan faces significant economic, humanitarian, and human rights challenges despite relative security and some economic improvements under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
  • Millions of Afghans have returned from neighboring countries, straining the economy and humanitarian aid systems, with poverty increasing.
  • The country's long-term future depends on the governing structure's ability to balance ideological policies with pragmatic approaches, while facing a growing young population with limited opportunities.

Despite consolidating control and achieving relative security, Afghanistan continues to grapple with severe economic, humanitarian, and human rights challenges, according to Georgette Gagnon, Director of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

On the surface, Afghanistan under the de facto authorities remains stable. Territorial and administrative control has been consolidated and there is no meaningful armed or political challenge to their rule.

— Georgette GagnonDirector of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) describing the current situation in Afghanistan to the UN Security Council.

Gagnon, who also serves as Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, reported to the UN Security Council that common concerns about mounting pressures were heard from various groups across the country. While the de facto authorities have established territorial and administrative control without significant opposition, their long-term vision remains unclear.

Economically, while some indicators show stabilization, including positive growth and improved fiscal management, these gains are fragile. A major risk stems from the large-scale return of migrants; nearly 5.9 million Afghans returned in 2023, with another 2.8 million expected this year. Many returnees lack assets and face an economy ill-equipped to absorb them, leading to increasing poverty.

IEA officials regard the provision of nationwide peace and security as their greatest achievement, but Afghanistan’s long-term future largely depends on developments within the governing structure and how ideological policies are balanced with pragmatic approaches.

— Georgette GagnonUNAMA Director discussing the internal dynamics and future prospects of Afghanistan under the de facto authorities.

The humanitarian crisis remains one of the world's largest, with millions requiring assistance. The country's youth, representing over half the population, are entering adulthood amid diminishing opportunities, particularly for girls, highlighting a critical challenge for Afghanistan's future.

Afghans are becoming poorer in real terms and that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with around 21.9 million people, equivalent to 45 percent of the population, expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026.

— Georgette GagnonUNAMA Director highlighting the severity of the humanitarian situation and increasing poverty.
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Originally published by Pajhwok Afghan News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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