UN Warns Of Record Opium Prices In Afghanistan As Production Declines

In a statement, the EU warned that Afghanistan’s human rights and humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. It stressed that women and girls are the most affected by the Taliban’s policies.

EU member states expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their commitment to funding the UNHCR to support Afghan refugees and displaced persons in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

The EU called for ensuring Afghan refugees have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. It also pledged support for security measures, including identity document extensions for Afghans.

The EU urged UNHCR to oppose the deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran. It emphasised the need for regional strategies to assess Afghanistan’s situation and provide sustainable solutions for returnees.

The EU called for an inclusive humanitarian response and stronger efforts to support Afghan returnees through life-saving assistance and resilience-building programmes.

The Irish Mission to the United Nations reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting the rights of Afghan women and girls. On Wednesday, the mission posted on X that Carroll met with Afghan women’s rights activists to discuss the ongoing abuses under Taliban rule.

The post did not provide further details but stressed Ireland’s continued support for Afghan women. Images from the meeting showed Habiba Sarabi, former governor of Bamiyan, alongside several Afghan women’s rights activists.

Carroll’s condemnation comes as international organisations report that the Taliban has issued over 80 decrees restricting women’s rights since returning to power.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid recently claimed that Afghan women enjoy full physical and psychological security. He insisted that their fundamental rights are protected under Islamic Sharia and Afghan traditions.

However, human rights activists reject these claims. They argue that Afghanistan under Taliban rule is facing “gender apartheid”. Women have been systematically deprived of basic rights, including education, employment, and public participation.

Activists and rights groups have repeatedly called for the reversal of these restrictions, condemning them as a violation of fundamental human rights.

On Wednesday, Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with Yue Xiaoyong, China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan in Islamabad. They discussed regional security and geopolitical developments.

Sadiq Khan stated on social media platform X that both sides are worried about the presence of these militant groups in Afghanistan. He added that they agreed to hold trilateral and multilateral meetings on Afghanistan.

Although China does not officially recognise the Taliban, it maintains close political and economic ties with the group. However, Beijing remains concerned about separatist Uyghur militants operating from Afghanistan.

China’s UN ambassador previously warned that the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) poses a direct security threat. The Taliban has assured China that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for Uyghur separatist activities.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of sheltering TTP fighters and has urged the group to prevent cross-border terrorist activities. Recently, Pakistan’s UN representative stated that the Taliban has failed to control ISIS-Khorasan, which has become a major security challenge for its rule.

Mohammad Agha Hakim, the Taliban’s governor in Panjshir, welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to cooperate.

In a statement, the Taliban’s Information and Culture Directorate reported that the group sold 15,552 carats of emeralds from Panjshir’s mines on Tuesday, generating $328,950 in revenue. The statement added that Indian gemstone traders have shown interest in Afghanistan’s investment opportunities under Taliban rule.

For over three years, the Taliban has regularly auctioned Panjshir emeralds. However, a recent survey among Panjshir residents revealed that 90 percent of respondents believe the Taliban is exploiting the province’s mines without any profits benefiting locals.

This marks the first time the Taliban has disclosed an investment plan from Indian businessmen in Panjshir’s mining sector.

India is strengthening ties with the Taliban. It has accepted some Taliban diplomats and plans to hand over Afghanistan’s embassy in Delhi to the group’s representatives.

During a UN Security Council session on Afghanistan on 10 March, Harish stated that India is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with the Taliban regime on bilateral issues. He highlighted the “special people-to-people ties” as the foundation of India’s current engagement with Afghanistan.

Harish pointed to the meeting between India’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vikram Misri, and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on 8 January. He said the discussions covered bilateral relations and regional developments.

He noted that Taliban’s representatives appreciated India’s continued support. As a result, India is now considering new development projects, alongside its ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Harish reaffirmed India’s longstanding ties with Afghanistan. He said India remains committed to humanitarian assistance and supports international efforts for stability in Afghanistan.

Since August 2021, India has provided 27 tons of relief materials, 50,000 tons of wheat, 40,000 litres of pesticides and over 300 tons of medicine and medical equipment.

India has also collaborated with UNODC to support drug addicts, particularly women. Since 2022, it has supplied 11,000 hygiene kits ,baby food, clothing, and medical aid and over 30 tons of social support items.

India is strengthening ties with the Taliban. It plans to hand over Afghanistan’s embassy in Delhi to Taliban representatives and has accepted some Taliban diplomats.