Ban on Afghan women in NGOs affecting aid delivery: Niklasson

KABUL (TOLOnews): The European Union’s Delegation in Afghanistan released a press statement by Tomas Niklasson, EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan.
Referring to the UN meeting in Doha, Niklasson said that the meeting was a welcome initiative by the UN to once more put Afghanistan in focus.
“In the discussions, there was a consistent view that the conditions were not in place to allow for recognition by the international community of the de facto authorities as a legitimate government, but that engagement with the de facto authorities and other Afghans must continue to address shared concerns – including security and counter-terrorism, the need for inclusive governance, upholding human rights, preventing irregular migration and human trafficking, countering narcotics production and smuggling, and stabilising the Afghan economy,” he said.
Niklasson also referred to the ban on Afghan women working for NGOs, saying that this “challenges fundamental principles” and is having “immediate consequences,” as “critical assistance delivered by such organizations cannot reach women and children in need.”
“Afghan girls and women are still prevented from attending secondary school or university due to decisions taken by the de facto authorities, while a very large number of Afghan boys can also not access primary or other forms of education due to lack of availability or opportunity,” he said.
The EU special envoy voiced concerns about the humanitarian situation, saying that more than 28 million vulnerable Afghans are in need of humanitarian assistance.
“The UN humanitarian appeal for USD 4.6 billion, the largest in the world, has only received pledges to cover 7.2%, whereas to compare the four largest humanitarian appeals after Afghanistan have by now received pledges covering more than 20%,” he said.
Niklasson said he reiterates the “EU’s clear position not to provide support – political, material or otherwise – for Afghan armed resistance, while I also encourage the de facto authorities to offer an alternative, by engaging in dialogue with all parts of the population – men and women.” Niklasson said that the Afghan caretaker officials have reiterated their commitment that Afghan soil would not be used to threaten the security of other countries.
“They also confirmed, once more, their firm commitment to fight Da’esh, and many other Afghans recalled that in terms of security Ramadan had been much less challenging than in many years,” he said.