Afghanistan: Half the population suffers poverty and requires international investment

The UN special representative for Afghanistan reported on Tuesday the misery that plagues a large part of the population in that country, who also lives in the uncertainty about their future.

In a report to Security CouncilRoza Otunbayeva said that while the Taliban controls the country, they are not able to control terrorist groupswhich continue to cause civilian casualties.

The also head of the UN Assistance Mission in that country (ONE MA) reported that the media and civil society suffer intimidation and repressive actions by de facto institutionsand emphasized the suppression of women’s freedoms, which include the prohibition of their access to secondary and higher schools, as well as to public and political spaces.

Otunbayeva also denounced the executions and public corporal punishmentand reported that the UN has opened a dialogue with the Taliban on human rights and violations of international law.

Less corruption and higher income for public coffers

On the other hand, he said that corruption has decreased thus increasing the income of the de facto government despite the contraction of the economy.

“With those revenues, and by reducing the costs of government, the Taliban they have managed to finance their budget and have announced that they have resources to start some development projects”, pointed out the diplomat.

Likewise, the de facto authorities have managed to maintain macroeconomic stability, albeit at a much lower level of economic activity. After a sharp currency deterioration a year ago, the Afghan currency has remained relatively stable and exports have increased to $1.7 billion this year, compared with $700 million under the Republican government.

Positive data does not feed the population

He clarified, however, that although the Taliban have managed the economy better than expected, more than half the population is fed thanks to international assistance.

The special representative explained that the Taliban have identified the private sector as a key driver for economic growth and respond in some way to the concerns of businessmen, but added that the main impediment to further investment is the high cost of international financial transactions. given the reluctance of international banks to do business with Afghanistan.

Another factor that negatively influences productive investments is political uncertainty.

Otunbayeva warned that although some of the data in the economic sphere seems positive may not be sustainable if the real concerns of Afghans are not addressed.

Population concerns

He explained that between October 11 and November 8, the Mission carried out consultations in 12 provinces that revealed the population’s concerns about the ban on girls’ education, lack of health facilities, mental health problems, poverty and economic insecurity and discrimination against ethnic minorities.

“Not only have the Taliban not addressed these issues, but in many cases their decisions they have made them worse”, he stressed.

He added that Afghans are also frustrated by the approach taken by the international community to support them as they feel it is investments for development are needed more than donations.

“However, under the current conditions, donors are less and less willing to look beyond the provision of humanitarian assistance,” said the envoy.

He specified that as long as girls continue to be excluded from school and the de facto authorities continue to ignore other concerns expressed by the international community, the country will continue in a blind alley.

In this context, he indicated that for UNAMA the deal with the de facto authorities must continue in some way. “Afghans want continued engagement from the international community and believe that positive change can only be achieved through increased interaction with those authorities”, he abounded.

Finally, Otunbayeva endorsed UNAMA’s commitment to the Afghans and assured that continue to provide them with humanitarian assistance and give voice to their claims of fundamental rights and freedoms.

“We are committed to these objectives and we try to maintain a space for dialogue with the Taliban. But we must do it with a sense of realism, patience and a proper understanding of the situation as it evolves”, he pointed out.