Press Releases

UN urges parties to prioritize protection of civilians and start talks
27 Jul 2020 - KABUL - The first half of 2020 witnessed fluctuating levels of violence impacting civilians in Afghanistan, with the United Nations documenting 3,458 civilian casualties (1,282 killed and 2,176 injured),...
Local Statement by the Ambassadorial Anti-Corruption Group on Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Rule of Law
09 Jul 2020 - KABUL - The Ambassadorial Anti-Corruption Group* is deeply concerned about the slowdown in Afghanistan’s anti-corruption efforts, as documented by the recently published UNAMA annual anti-corruption report. Addressing widespread corruption is...
UN urges greater protection for civilians and reduced violence in run up to intra-Afghan talks
02 Jul 2020 - KABUL - With the prospect of peace talks starting this month between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urges parties...
Security Council Press Statement on UNAMA
30 Jun 2020 - NEW YORK - The Security Council held a video conference on UNAMA/Afghanistan on 25 June, 2020. The members of the Security Council were briefed by Ms Deborah Lyons, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Ms Ghada Fathi Waly,...
Deliberate attacks on healthcare in Afghanistan during COVID-19 pandemic – UN special report
21 Jun 2020 - KABUL - The United Nations in Afghanistan is gravely concerned by recent deliberate attacks on healthcare personnel and facilities, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A...
Anti-corruption reforms must remain a priority in Afghanistan – UN report
18 Jun 2020 - KABUL - Sustained and effective efforts in fighting corruption in Afghanistan remain critical for the country’s future,...
Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban of a ceasefire
23 May 2020 - NEW YORK - The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban of a ceasefire to enable the Afghan people to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday in peace. ...
Statement by Deborah Lyons on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
22 May 2020 - KABUL - I warmly extend Eid Mubarak wishes to all Afghans ...
Rising civilian casualty numbers highlight urgent need to halt fighting and re-focus on peace negotiations
19 May 2020 - KABUL - Rising numbers of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, with a disregard for international law aimed at protecting civilians from harm, underscore the urgent need for...
UNAMA welcomes agreement between President Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah
17 May 2020 - KABUL - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) welcomes the agreement reached between President Ashraf...
Security Council press statement on terrorist attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar, Afghanistan
13 May 2020 - NEW YORK - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks that took place at the MSF Clinic in Kabul, Afghanistan, during which at least 20 civilians,...
UN Secretary-General condemns attack on Kabul hospital
12 May 2020 - NEW YORK - The Secretary-General strongly condemns the horrific attack today on a hospital in Kabul, which killed and wounded dozens of people, including women and children. He is also following with concern the escalation of violence in the country. Attacks claimed...
Joint Statement by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
05 May 2020 - KABUL - Last week H.E. First Vice-President Amrullah Saleh and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Deborah Lyons held their first meeting since assuming their...
Statement by Deborah Lyons on World Press Freedom Day
03 May 2020 - KABUL - World Press Freedom Day is a time to reflect on the enormous value free media contributes to open and healthy societies, and how we all must play our...