Martin Griffiths, who is also Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, description adoption of Council resolution 2615 (in 2021), assessed by the United States as “evidence of the importance that Member States take to the degree of need and domestic shock suffering”.
Humanitarian exemption
In adopting the text, the Council fixed exemptions for humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs from sanctions imposed under resolutions 2255 (2015) and 1988 ( 2011), involving individuals and entities affiliated with the Taliban in constituting a threat to peace, stability and security.
Key terms authorize the processing and settlement of funds, other financial assets or economic resources, and the provision of goods and services necessary to ensure timely delivery of assistance.
The Board specifically encourages suppliers to use “reasonable efforts” to minimize the accumulation of any benefit – whether as a result of direct or redirected offering – to entities or individuals designated on sanctions lists established by resolution 1988 (2011).
Notably, it asked the Emergency Relief Coordinator to report to its members every six months and agreed to review the implementation of the resolution for a period of one year.
“This humanitarian exception will allow institutions to do the work we have planned,” emphasized Griffiths, and “provide legal guarantees to financial institutions and commercial entities.” trade that we rely on to engage with humanitarian operators.”
Adoption after many months discussion in the Council and the broader international community on how to prevent the economic fallout in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country, seen as an unrealistic administration, in August and subsequently rejected by Western countries. freeze billions of dollars that the previous Government used to ensure the provision of basic services.
Humanitarian activities in the coming year
According to Griffiths, humanitarian operations in Afghanistan will become the largest anywhere in the world by 2022, reaching some 22 million people.
Some 160 national and international organizations are providing vital food and medical assistance, as well as education, water and sanitation, and agricultural support. We urgently need to step up this work.
He said the impact of saving lives on UN aid depends on the cooperation of the de facto authorities and on the flexibility of the funding received. “We must all do everything we can to protect the lives, dignity and future of all Afghans.”
© WFP
Families receive food and oil distributed by WFP in Faryab province, Afghanistan.
A gloomy economic picture
Follow UNDP Socio-Economic Outlook for Afghanistan, the country ended 2020 with “significant” economic and development challenges. International partners commit to invest $13 billion in November 2020 over the next 4 years.
However, the political change on 15 August 2021 opened up new conditions. The international community’s failure to recognize the Taliban, coupled with the uncertainty stemming from the discrepancy between official announcements and action on the ground, has resulted in the abrupt halt of international aid and the closure of the country. freeze Afghanistan’s reserves abroad.
“The drop in foreign aid, which previously accounted for 40% of gross domestic product, has had an immediate and significant impact on the economy.” UNDP mentioned.
The report’s estimate that $2 billion would now be needed to raise the incomes of all the poor to the poverty line is “an indication of the relief needed to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented scale.” .”
© WFP / Photolibrary
People wait in line for food and oil distributed by the World Food Program in Andkhoy, Afghanistan.
