The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Otunbayeva, says the international community has provided nearly $13 billion in aid to Afghanistan since 2021.
She emphasized that, contrary to some reports, the majority of this aid has been delivered without major interference from the Taliban authorities.
Otunbayeva made the remarks during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Wednesday, focused on the current situation in Afghanistan.
“In the past three years, acting under the authority granted by the Security Council and engaging with pragmatic officials, I have worked to improve the lives of the Afghan people,” she said, emphasizing that constructive engagement has led to some progress.
According to her, the $13 billion in aid included $7.9 billion for humanitarian assistance and $4.9 billion for essential needs.
She stressed that, contrary to some claims, most of this aid was distributed without interference from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Otunbayeva also highlighted that since August 2021, Afghanistan has seen a significant reduction in armed conflict, creating a relatively stable security environment across much of the country.
She noted that the ban on poppy cultivation, introduced in spring 2023, remains largely in place — a measure she said is beneficial for both the region and the world, and may help Afghan communities in the long run.
Otunbayeva urged countries hosting Afghan refugees to avoid forced returns of at-risk individuals and to expand safe pathways for vulnerable Afghans to leave the country.
Though her mission in Afghanistan has concluded, she said that many Afghans wish to continue engagement with the international community. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, she expressed hope that a sustainable path forward can be found — particularly in advancing the rights and opportunities of Afghan women and girls.
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