Britain’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Archie Young, said on Wednesday that UK support for the UN-led comprehensive approach to Afghanistan depends on the Taliban taking “meaningful steps” to meet international obligations, particularly on counterterrorism and the rights of women and girls.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Young said the session came as the erosion of rights in the country remained “deeply troubling,” especially on International Human Rights Day.
“Over the four years of Taliban rule, repression has intensified,” he said, noting that more than 100 edicts have stripped women and girls of fundamental freedoms. “Girls cannot attend school after the age of 12. And for more than three months, the Taliban has banned women from working in UN offices.”
Young said the UK “unequivocally condemns” the restrictions and that British officials had urged the Taliban during an October visit to Kabul to reverse the decrees. “The international community must stand united against the Taliban’s assault on human rights. We must not abandon half of Afghanistan’s population,” he added.
Addressing the humanitarian situation, he said 21.9 million people — about 45% of the population — are expected to need assistance in 2026. The UK will allocate up to $201 million for life-saving and basic services in the 2025–26 financial year, he said, adding that worsening food security and nutrition forecasts were a cause for concern.
Young said strong UN leadership is essential to advancing the political process and urged the swift appointment of a new UN special representative. But he repeated that the UK’s support for the comprehensive approach hinges on the Taliban demonstrating compliance with international commitments, “especially those related to counter-terrorism and to the rights of women and girls.”
Quoting the UK foreign secretary, Young said: “There can be no peace, no security, and no prosperity without women playing their full part, free from violence and free from fear.”
