FAIZABAD –  The participation of women in political and national processes is necessary for Afghanistan's development, say participants of a UNAMA-backed event in Faizabad, capital of the north-eastern Badakhshan province.

KABUL - The following is a transcript of the opening remarks delivered by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, at the beginning of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board meeting.

QALA-E-NAW – Women from the rural and conflict-affected districts of the western province of Badghis seek involvement in peace efforts to ensure that their concerns are heard and their rights protected in any agreements.

MAZAR-E-SHARIF - Strong synergy between government officials, civil society members, rights advocates and other community leaders is essential for protecting the human rights of women and girls, said participants at a recent symposium in the northern province of Balkh.

NEW YORK - The Secretary-General is outraged and deeply saddened by the Taliban-claimed complex attack that took place on 1 July in a civilian-populated area of Kabul.