{"id":6142,"date":"2021-09-13T17:41:19","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T17:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/?p=6142"},"modified":"2021-09-13T17:41:19","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T17:41:19","slug":"the-people-of-afghanistan-need-a-lifeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/2021\/09\/the-people-of-afghanistan-need-a-lifeline\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThe people of Afghanistan need a lifeline\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

MONITORING (SW) \u2013 Afghanistan received pledges worth over $ 1 billion as the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged nations on Monday to show their solidarity with the Afghans.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe people of Afghanistan need a lifeline,\u201d Guterres told nations gathered in Geneva. \u201cThis conference is not simply about what we will give to the people of Afghanistan, it is about what we owe,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

He said more than $1 billion in aid pledges for Afghanistan had so far been made during an event in Geneva, but it was \u201cimpossible\u201d to know how much was specifically for a UN emergency appeal.<\/p>\n

The United Nations sought $606 million to help millions of people in Afghanistan until the end of the year.<\/p>\n

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 US and NATO forces exited the 20-year war. The UN, along with its partners, is seeking $606 million for the rest of the year to help 11 million people, reported Reuters.<\/p>\n

As with many other UN-led donor conferences, some countries injected more funds, others highlighted commitments already made. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced plans for Germany to pour 500 million euros ($590 million) into Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, but specifics were not immediately provided. Denmark said it would give an extra $38 million, and Norway $11.5 million.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oral and written commitments\u2019<\/p>\n

At the same time, officials suggested aid in the future could be impacted by how the Taliban rules. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the US was \u201ccommitted to providing humanitarian assistance\u201d for and supporting Afghans, and would add $64 million in new assistance for UN and partner organisations. That brings the US total for Afghanistan to $330 million in this fiscal year, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d she said by video message.<\/p>\n

\u201cWords are not good enough. We must see action. The international community is unified in this message.\u201d<\/p>\n

Initially, after seizing power on August 15, the Taliban promised inclusiveness and a general amnesty for former opponents. But many Afghans remain deeply fearful, particularly because of early Taliban moves.<\/p>\n

The group formed an all-male, all-Taliban government despite saying initially they would invite broader representation. Taliban police officials have beaten Afghan\u00a0journalists and violently dispersed women\u2019s protests.<\/p>\n

The UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, warned of a \u201cnew and perilous phase\u201d for Afghanistan as she upbraided the Taliban for a disconnect between their words and actions<\/p>\n

ENDS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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