KABUL - The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, today briefed the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan.

Lyons highlighted the intensified peace efforts and urgent need to stop violence. She spoke about the particularly concerning trend of attacks deliberately targeting civilians. Already this year, UNAMA has documented more than 80 civilians – including media, civil society, members of the judiciary, religious scholars, and government officials – who have lost their lives in such targeted attacks.

The envoy, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), reiterated the need for an inclusive peace process and any peace agreement  must reflect the aspirations of Afghan population of today.

Lyons welcomed the appointment of Jean Arnault as the Secretary-General’s new Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues and spoke about the fact that the developments in Afghanistan affect the global community.

Against this backdrop, Afghans continue to suffer from a deepening humanitarian crisis with food insecurity at record levels. The Special Representative for Afghanistan appealed to all member states, to contribute generously to the humanitarian response plan, which stands at just six per cent funded.

The UN will continue working with all parties – the Government of Afghanistan, the Taliban, community leaders and the international community – to foster coherent support for a much-needed peace.

Read the Security Council briefing by SRSG Lyons

Read the Secretary-General's report on the situation in Afghanistan