NEW YORK - The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, the Executive Director of UN-Women, Sima Bahous, and the Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, Khaled Khiari, arrived yesterday in Kabul as part of their wider mission in the region. 

On behalf of the Secretary-General, they held a series of meetings with UN staff, national and international NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and Afghan women to take stock of the situation, convey solidarity and discuss ways to promote and protect women’s and girls’ rights in the aftermath of the recent decision by the de facto authorities. 

They stressed the need to uphold human rights, especially for women and girls, and were encouraged by exemptions being introduced that have allowed the resumption of some humanitarian activities that had been hampered following the ban.  At the same time, they underscored the importance of continuing to be driven by principles. 

The delegation also commenced engagement with the de facto authorities on this matter and the longer-term perspectives for Afghanistan.  The mission will continue in the field over the coming days, and we will share further updates when available.