UN rights chief raises concerns on Taliban rule
GENEVA - The United Nations on Monday drummed up millions of dollars in emergency funds from donor countries for beleaguered Afghans who could soon face widespread hunger, even as Western governments and the U.N. human rights chief voiced concerns about the Taliban’s first steps in establishing power in Afghanistan.
The first such conference on Afghanistan since the Taliban took over a month ago is testing Western governments and other big traditional donors, which want to protect Afghans from a looming humanitarian disaster but also want to keep pressure on the new militant rulers to respect rights and moderate their rule.
It is feared that Afghanistan could further plunge toward famine and economic collapse after the chaos of the past month, which saw the Taliban oust the government in a lightning sweep as U.S. and NATO forces exited the 20-year war. The U.N., along with its partners, is seeking $606 million for the rest of the year to help 11 million people.
“The people of Afghanistan need a lifeline,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the conference. “After decades of war, suffering and insecurity, they face perhaps their most perilous hour. Now is the time for the international community to stand with them. And let us be clear, this conference is not simply about what we will give to the people of Afghanistan. It is about what we owe.”
He said 1 in 3 Afghans don’t know where their next meal will come from, the poverty rate is “spiraling” and basic public services were nearing collapse. A severe drought is jeopardizing the upcoming harvest, and hunger has been rising.
The U.N.’s World Food Program said Afghans are growing increasingly short of cash to buy food, the majority of which – like wheat flour – is imported. Frozen foreign exchanges and a paralyzed state budget have stripped people of the money they need, just as food and fuel prices have risen.
As with many other U.N.-led donor conferences, some countries injected more funds while others highlighted commitments already made. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced plans for Germany to pour $590 million into Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, but specifics were not immediately provided. Denmark said it would give $38 million, and Norway $11.5 million.
At the same time, officials suggested aid in the future could be impacted by how the Taliban rules.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the U.S. was “committed to providing humanitarian assistance” for and supporting Afghans, and would add $64 million in new assistance for U.N. and partner organizations.
That brings the U.S. total for Afghanistan to $330 million in this fiscal year, she said.
“We need oral and written commitments made by the Taliban about operating rights of humanitarian agencies and the treatment and rights of minority groups, women and girls to be upheld,” she said by video message. “Words are not good enough. We must see action. The international community is unified in this message.”