In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan urged the international community to take decisive action to prevent the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
He called on global leaders to provide continued assistance to the Afghan people and emphasized the need for collective efforts to stabilize the country.
Rahmon reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan, pledging cooperation in efforts to establish lasting peace, stability, and development. “Tajikistan stands ready to assist in the revival and development of peaceful sectors in Afghanistan,” he told the assembly on Tuesday.
Regional cooperation emphasized by Iran
Also addressing the General Assembly, newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for an inclusive regional approach to Afghanistan that benefits all neighboring countries. “An approach that does not secure the interests of every neighboring country cannot be sustainable,” Pezeshkian said, stressing the importance of avoiding arms races and competition among neighboring states.
U.N. Secretary-General condemns Taliban’s treatment of women
In a strongly worded speech, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Taliban’s laws for enforcing the systematic oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan. “In Afghanistan, laws are being used to lock in the systematic oppression of women and girls,” Guterres said, adding that despite years of discussions, gender inequality is starkly evident. He also expressed dismay that less than 10% of speakers during the General Debate were women, calling it “unacceptable.”
Earlier, Guterres had criticized the Taliban’s new laws, which he said formalize the removal of women and girls from public life. He urged the Taliban to immediately lift restrictions on Afghan women and girls, emphasizing that gender equality is crucial for achieving peace, sustainable development, and climate action.
