UN chief urges unity amongst countries to deliver aid to Afghanistan

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres requested all countries around the world to join hands in providing aid to Afghanistan “in their darkest hour of need”. He also explained that nearly 50% of the country’s population is in need of humanitarian assistance, according to US media reports.

In a statement on Tuesday, the United Nations chief said he had a “grave concern at the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country”. The remarks come on the first of the Taliban’s autonomy in the country after United States troops exited nearly 24 hours before the August 31 deadline.

Guterres said that more than half of all Afghani children who are below the age of five are expected soon expected to become “acutely malnourished” while one out three people are having a difficult time getting a plateful of food.

He also said that humanitarian aid needs to be provided to about 19 million people of Afghanistan to ensure their survival, according to reports from the Associated Press.

Amid a severe drought and with harsh winter conditions on the horizon, extra food, shelter and health supplies must be urgently fast-tracked into the country,” Guterres said on Tuesday.

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the current $1.3 billion United Nations humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan is only 39% funded. Guterres said a new emergency appeal for the next four months is expected next week, according to reports from Associated Press.

As Afghanistan embarks on a new future, Pramila Patten, the acting head of United Nations Women, urged the Taliban to reaffirm their commitment to comply with Afghanistan’s 2004 constitution and international treaties that guarantee equality to all citizens, and to guarantee “the full and equal participation of women in the political and decision-making processes”, Associated Press reported.

The international community has been voicing concern over the treatment of Afghan women once the Taliban has taken over.