The spokesperson for the UN secretary-general said that Tom Fletcher, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and head of OCHA, described the situation of Afghan women as difficult during a meeting with officials of the Islamic Emirate.

Fletcher stressed that development is not possible without girls’ education and their full participation.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said: “ Mr. Fletcher, of course, stressed the plight of Afghan women remains and that it remains a top priority, underscoring that development is impossible without girls’ education and their full participation.”

Women's rights activist Tafsir Siyahposh said: “Today, we women in Afghanistan face widespread challenges, particularly the closure of educational doors to us. Restrictions are increasing day by day. Our demand from the Islamic Emirate is to respect the rights and voices of Afghan women.”

Meanwhile, the deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate said that Tom Fletcher also acknowledged positive developments in Afghanistan and noted that ignoring these changes would be unfair.

He also pledged the UN’s continued cooperation with the Islamic Emirate in various sectors.

According to the deputy spokesperson, Abdul Salam Hanafi, the administrative deputy of the prime minister, criticized the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries during the meeting and called for good relations, mutual respect, and economic cooperation with all countries.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “Mr. Fletcher praised the positive changes in Afghanistan and pledged continued assistance, saying that with the implementation of development projects, the Afghan people are moving toward self-sufficiency.”

Economic analyst Mohammad Nabi Afghan said: “The international community is obligated not to abandon our nation, because we need support to stand on our own. If a crisis occurs, they are responsible for that too.”

In another meeting, Tom Fletcher also met with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizing UN-Islamic Emirate cooperation in areas such as normalization of relations with the international community, security, regional stability, climate change, and counter-narcotics efforts.