The UN Special Representative for Afghanistan explained the misery afflicting much of the country’s populationit also lives in uncertainty about its future.
In a report to the Security Council, Rosa Otumbayeva said while the Taliban ruled the country, they can’t control terrorist groupscontinues to cause civilian casualties.
The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that the media and civil society suffered from intimidation and repressive actions by de facto institutionsunderscored the suppression of women’s liberties, including prohibition of access to secondary and higher education, as well as access to public and political space.
Otumbayeva also condemned executions and public corporal punishment.and that the United Nations has begun a dialogue with the Taliban on violations of human rights and international law.
Less corruption, more revenue to the treasury
On the one hand, she said de facto government revenues have increased despite the shrinking economy because of reduced corruption.
“By reducing these revenues and government costs, the Taliban announced they would be able to cover the budget and have the resources to start several development projects.” she said.
The de facto authorities have also been successful in maintaining macroeconomic stability despite much lower levels of economic activity.After a sharp depreciation a year ago, Afghanistan’s currency has remained relatively stable, with exports rising to $1.7 billion this year from $700 million under the Republican administration.
Positive data don’t feed the population
But she said that while the Taliban managed the economy better than expected, More than half of the population is fed by international aid.
The special representative explained that the Taliban recognizes the private sector as a key engine of economic growth and has addressed businessmen’s concerns to some extent, but the main obstacle to further investment is the cost of international financial transactions. is high, he added. International banks do business with Afghanistan.
Another factor that negatively impacts productive investment is political uncertainty.
Otumbayeva warned that while some data in the economic sector may appear positive, it may not be sustainable without addressing Afghanistan’s real concerns.
people’s concern
She said that between October 11th and November 8th, the mission will consult in 12 states, Prohibition of girls’ education, lack of medical facilities, mental health problems, poverty and economic instability, discrimination against ethnic minorities.
“Not only did the Taliban fail to address these issues, but in many cases their decisions made matters worse.” she emphasized.
She added that Afghans were frustrated with the international community’s approach to helping them, believing they needed development investments rather than donations.
“However, under the current circumstances, donors are becoming increasingly reluctant to look beyond providing humanitarian assistance.” she said.
As long as girls are out of school and de facto authorities continue to ignore other concerns expressed by the international community, she said: the country will remain a dead end.
In this context, she said of UNAMA: Engagement with de facto authorities must continue in some form“Afghanistan wants continued engagement from the international community and believes positive change can only be achieved through increased interaction with these authorities,” she said.
Finally, Otunbayeva reconfirmed UNAMA commitment to Afghanistan He also ensured that they continue to provide humanitarian assistance and give voice to their demands for basic rights and freedoms.
“We are committed to these goals and seek to maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, but we must do so with realism, patience and an appropriate understanding of the evolving situation.” she said.