The United Arab Emirates has stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls, and called for their access to education, employment and equal participation in society.
Ghasaq Shaheen, the UAE’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, met with Georgette Gagnon, acting head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on June 5.
In a post on X, the UAE Mission to the United Nations said the two sides discussed recent developments in Afghanistan and the role of UNAMA in supporting peace and stability in the country.
The diplomatic consultations come ahead of two key UN events concerning Afghanistan. The UN Security Council is expected to review the extension of UNAMA’s mandate, with a meeting anticipated on June 17.
UNAMA is also scheduled to present a report on Afghanistan on Monday, June 7.
The United Arab Emirates has previously expressed concern about the human rights situation in Afghanistan. During a session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UAE called for the protection of the rights of Afghan women and girls.
Over the past several years, the UAE has maintained contact with Afghan women. In July last year, a number of Afghan women’s rights activists met with UAE officials and urged Abu Dhabi to support efforts to protect women’s rights in Afghanistan.
