
Statement by Tadamichi Yamamoto on Taliban threats against media in Afghanistan
KABUL - Freedom of the press is critical. Civilians should never be deliberately targeted with violence. These are two fundamental principles. This week the Taliban publicly threatened to turn media outlets into military…

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Crucial role of Paktika civil society spotlighted at UN-backed symposium on elections
SHARANA - Civil society representatives came together recently in Afghanistan’s southeast province of Paktika to strategize on ways to coordinate with local communities and electoral management bodies to enhance participation…

Statement by Tadamichi Yamamoto on elections and peace in Afghanistan
KABUL - Regarding efforts related to the upcoming presidential elections and the work to create an initial peace framework in Afghanistan, I wish to reiterate that both processes are top priorities for the United Nations…

United Nations appalled by Taliban attack in downtown Kabul
KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is appalled by the Taliban-claimed attack yesterday in a civilian-populated area of Kabul, where schools, homes, media outlets and other civilian facilities…

United Nations Secretary-General on Taliban attack in Afghanistan
NEW YORK - The Secretary-General is outraged and deeply saddened by the Taliban-claimed complex attack that took place on 1 July in a civilian-populated area of Kabul. According to preliminary findings, the explosives set off…

Effective coordination essential for protecting women’s rights, say Balkh leaders
MAZAR-E-SHARIF - Strong synergy between government officials, civil society members, rights advocates and other community leaders is essential for protecting the human rights of women and girls, said participants at a recent…

Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Kabul Afghanistan
NEW YORK - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 1 July 2019, which resulted in at least 35 people killed and…

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UN-backed ‘local peace initiative’ culminates in pact to end longstanding land dispute in Kunar
ASADABAD – A UN-backed ‘local peace initiative’ has helped two tribes reach agreement on ending a 40-year conflict over land in the eastern province of Kunar. For almost four decades, the Salarzi and Mamund tribes have feuded…

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Rural women advocate for inclusion in peace discussions
QALA-E-NAW – Women from the rural and conflict-affected districts of the western province of Badghis seek involvement in peace efforts to ensure that their concerns are heard and their rights protected in any agreements. A…

UN looks to continue close partnership with Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission
KABUL- With the announcement of the appointment of the new Commissioners and Ms. Shaharzad Akbar as Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, the United Nations looks forward to continuing to work…

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Youth underscore their key role in preventing violent extremism during UN-backed event
KABUL - Young people should be at the forefront of preventing and responding to violent extremism, said participants at a UN-backed youth event held in Kabul. More than 80 youth, government officials, academics and religious…

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Participation of women in public life necessary for Afghanistan’s development
FAIZABAD - The participation of women in political and national processes is necessary for Afghanistan's development, say participants of a UNAMA-backed event in Faizabad, capital of the north-eastern Badakhshan province.…