UN warns that Afghanistan faces deepening crisis as regional 'instability' tightens grip

HAMILTON, Canada

Afghanistan faces compounding crises as regional instability threatens to push the country further toward collapse, a senior UN official warned Monday.

"The conflict with Pakistan has had punishing human and economic costs," Georgette Gagnon, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's (UNAMA) deputy special representative for Afghanistan, said during a UN Security Council session, highlighting the deteriorating position of Afghanistan at the country's borders.

She reiterated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' "deep concern about the escalation and impact on civilian populations."

Gagnon said that "currently, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the conflict in the Middle East, but it is already affecting Afghanistan.

"With the border closed between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iran provided an alternative trade route that is now also increasingly uncertain due to the ongoing conflict," she added.

She warned that the "instability in the region, on both of Afghanistan's longest borders, undermines Afghanistan's stability."

Pointing to a structural problem, she stressed that "Afghanistan’s continued alienation from the international system remains the central issue," warning it prevents progress in economics, security, counter-terrorism, human rights and the humanitarian emergency.

On the humanitarian front, she reported that Afghanistan ranks second globally in people targeted for aid, with partners planning to reach 17.5 million Afghans through a $1.71 billion appeal in 2026.

"This appeal is only 10% funded at present," Gagnon said.

She further criticized the Afghan government’s ban on UN female national staff, which has now stretched to six months.

"The United Nations’ ability to deliver assistance and reach Afghan women is impeded by a now-six-month ban on UN female national personnel being able to report for duty at their places of work," she said, urging the Afghan authorities to lift the restrictions immediately.

However, Gagnon still acknowledged some economic activity, noting the Afghan government has “initiated large infrastructure projects that could contribute to Afghanistan’s economic development if they can be completed."

She also urged continued Council support, warning that "at a time marked by instability across the wider region, the continued backing of the Council is vital."