MAIMANA - A top UN official has met with provincial officials in Faryab to assess the humanitarian situation of the conflict-affected population.

The UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mark Bowden, met the Governor and other officials in Maimana, the capital of northwestern Faryab province.

“The purpose of my visit here is to follow up on the visit of the Special Representative for the Secretary-General and specifically to look into the humanitarian needs of the population affected by conflict,” said Mr. Bowden.

According to OCHA's latest Humanitarian Bulletin, Northern Afghanistan has seen a marked increase in conflict-induced displacement this summer.

Assessment teams verified more than 5,300 families displaced by conflict in the nine northern provinces. Fighting in Almar, Qaysar, Pashtunkot and Shirintagab districts of Faryab province displaced a confirmed 1,159 families in accessible areas in June and July.

“The United Nations has increased its humanitarian commitment to Faryab to meet this need,” said Mr. Bowden.

“The United Nations also has a very long-term interest in staying in Faryab and supporting government here and the people of the province.”