The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that more than 8.8 million children in Afghanistan face climate-related risks. According to the report, over 75 percent of Afghan children are exposed to drought, while more than half face longer and more frequent heatwaves.
UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026, released on Tuesday, June 16, states that 41 percent of Afghanistan’s roughly 21 million children are exposed to hazards including floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme heat, and sand and dust storms.
The report’s data show that more than 1.7 million Afghan children are also at risk from river flooding.
According to UNICEF, Afghanistan has the highest level of child vulnerability among South Asian countries. The agency said this reflects deep gaps in essential services needed to cope with, adapt to, and recover from climate shocks.
Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, said: “Children in Afghanistan are already living on the frontlines of the climate crisis”. He added “What makes this especially dangerous is that climate hazards are overlapping with high child vulnerability…”.
He stressed that strengthening climate-resilient systems and services in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, child protection and social support is vital to protect children today and secure their future.
The report notes that droughts, floods and extreme heat are weakening food systems and reducing access to safe water. UNICEF said these factors are increasing the risk of acute malnutrition.
Millions of children under the age of five in Afghanistan currently require treatment for acute malnutrition, while nearly half of the country’s children live in severe food poverty.
UNICEF has called for urgent investment in climate-resilient services to protect children before, during and after climate-related crises.
A Taliban military court has banned the use of smartphones by all government employees, according to a document obtained by Afghanistan International. The court warned that anyone violating the order will have their phone destroyed and be referred to a military tribunal.
According to the document, received by Afghanistan International on Tuesday, June 16, deputy head of the Taliban military court, instructed the heads of the group’s military courts across eight zones to enforce the order in their respective provinces.
The document states that employees who fail to comply will face “legal and religious punishment”, while their smartphones will be confiscated and destroyed. It also specifies that the order will take effect from the first day of Muharram, corresponding to June 16.
Afghanistan International has also obtained an audio message from a Taliban member informing staff that the ban applies not only in workplaces but also inside their homes.
In the recording, the Taliban official says all employees of the administration are prohibited from using touchscreen phones both at work and in their private lives, and that violators will be referred to military courts.
He stresses that the order applies to everyone receiving a salary from the Taliban administration.
According to the official, the decision was made following instructions from the Taliban leadership during an administrative meeting.
Afghanistan International previously reported that, under a verbal order attributed to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the use of smartphones had been banned for Taliban members and government employees.
To monitor enforcement, the Taliban have reportedly introduced a special form requiring details including an individual’s name, position, workplace, mobile network and phone number.
Following publication of that report, Afghanistan International also obtained audio recordings of Taliban security officials instructing members to destroy their smartphones.
The messages further stated that, after destroying their devices, individuals must submit their personal details through designated forms so that compliance with the order can be fully monitored.
Belgium's Foreign Ministry has informed Afghanistan International that decisions on holding meetings and inviting delegations rest with European institutions.
Laurens Soenen, spokesperson for Belgium's Foreign Ministry, said European institutions decide which meetings to hold and whom to invite.
Soenen emphasised that some of these meetings may include representatives from institutions or regimes that Belgium does not recognise. However, their presence in Brussels does not mean recognition by Belgium or constitute a direct invitation from the country.
The spokesperson added that if Belgium were to judge the appropriateness of invitations issued by European institutions during their activities, it would undermine Brussels's status as an international and diplomatic capital.
In recent days, Afghan citizens and human rights activists have held protests in several countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Germany, France, Canada, Sweden, Austria, Spain and Belgium. The demonstrations are largely in response to the widespread and systematic human rights violations in Afghanistan, especially the situation of women and girls. Protesters have urged European institutions to cancel or reconsider the invitation to Taliban representatives.
Concerns have been expressed about a technical meeting scheduled in Brussels on June 22-23, which is reportedly expected to discuss the return of Afghan migrants without legal residence in Europe.
No visa requests from the Taliban have been received so far
Belgium's Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that no visa applications have been received from Taliban delegation members in relation to the European Commission's invitation.
It was stressed that such requests must be made by the individuals concerned and are subject to security checks. The ministry noted that the list of potential delegation members was received several weeks ago, and security screenings have been ongoing since then.
The spokesperson emphasised that any such trip would not amount to a recognition mission, and no individual cases would be examined during the meetings in Brussels.
Meanwhile, more than 80 international human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, along with some Members of the European Parliament, have warned against this engagement. Critics say it could be seen as legitimising the Taliban amid ongoing severe repression of women. Prominent figures such as Malala Yousafzai have also opposed such interaction. Some MEPs have called for a review of the visa process for this meeting.
Emphasis on a common European migration policy
In another section of the response, Belgium's Foreign Ministry stressed the need for a joint European policy on illegal migration.
According to the email, the ministry stated that ignoring the problem will not make it disappear and called for a structural solution within a clear European framework.
The Ministry also stated that such an approach must both safeguard fundamental rights and allow for the management of return procedures and relations with countries of origin.
The statement further stressed that Belgium should maintain a policy that is fair, coherent and in line with international obligations.
It added that the policy should be fair because it should not create de facto immunity for people residing illegally solely on the basis of Afghan nationality; coherent because it must be defined within a European framework; and consistent with Belgium’s legal principles, which are based on respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The protests that began in Herat’s Jebrail district following the detention of women and Taliban restrictions on women and girls have sparked a wave of international solidarity.
Afghans and civil society activists in 14 cities worldwide rallied under the slogan “Education, Work and Freedom”, calling for an end to repression and restrictions in Afghanistan.
The demonstrations in Herat, which started last week in Jebrail township, have now become a symbol of global solidarity with Afghan women.
From Tehran to Brussels and from Helsinki to Vancouver, protesters gathered to demand an end to the suppression of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Germany witnessed some of the largest rallies in support of the women of Herat. Demonstrators gathered in Hamburg, Berlin, Nuremberg and Stuttgart, calling for the suspension of diplomatic engagement with the Taliban and an end to restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls.
Alongside extending UNAMA’s mandate, the UN Security Council reaffirmed the importance of continued humanitarian assistance, support for human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, and efforts to counter terrorist threats in Afghanistan.
The resolution did not endorse Russia’s proposal to grant the Taliban access to the frozen assets of Afghanistan’s central bank. However, it called on UNAMA to support efforts to facilitate access to these assets for the benefit of the Afghan people.
The Security Council stated that UNAMA should continue its work in close consultation with all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders, particularly the relevant authorities, and in support of the Afghan people, in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, leadership and ownership.
The resolution identified Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis, the continuing erosion of human rights, especially those of women and girls, and the threat posed by terrorist groups as among the country’s most pressing challenges.
Dire humanitarian and economic situation
The Security Council described Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic conditions as dire and stressed the need to strengthen humanitarian assistance and meet the population’s basic needs. It urged the international community to improve coordination of aid efforts and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across the country.
The resolution also highlighted the importance of supporting development programmes aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s long-term self-reliance and called for greater coordination among international donors to promote economic and social stability.
Deteriorating rights of women and girls
The Security Council expressed deep concern over the continued deterioration of human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights of women and girls. It warned that peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan would remain unattainable without the protection of these rights and freedoms.
The council called on the Taliban to immediately reverse all policies and actions that contradict Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations. It also urged the Taliban to guarantee full access for Afghan women employed by the United Nations to UN offices and facilities throughout the country.
The resolution further emphasised support for equal access for women and girls to education, employment, healthcare, justice and other essential services, as well as their full, equal and meaningful participation in public life and decision-making processes.
Concerns over terrorist threats
The Security Council described the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as a serious threat to international peace and security and stressed the need for effective counterterrorism measures.
The council reaffirmed the continuation of measures against individuals and groups subject to UN sanctions and called for stronger regional and international cooperation to address security threats.
The resolution also highlighted the need to prevent the illicit trade and transfer of small arms and light weapons in Afghanistan and the wider region.
Pakistan has previously expressed concern about Pakistani militants gaining access to weapons left behind by Afghanistan’s former army. While the Taliban have denied these claims, the resolution reflects concerns raised by Islamabad.
UNAMA’s mandate for the coming year
The resolution requests the UN Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of UNAMA and submit a report to the Security Council by the end of March next year.
Jennifer Locetta, the United States representative at the meeting, welcomed the review and stressed the need for a mission that is effective and fit for purpose.
Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s representative to the United Nations, said Moscow supports a strategic review of UNAMA, but argued that it should be conducted in coordination with the Taliban authorities and focus on humanitarian and development needs rather than becoming a tool for advancing Western interests.
Under the resolution, UNAMA will continue facilitating dialogue among Taliban officials, regional countries, the international community and civil society to encourage compliance with international obligations and support Afghanistan’s integration into the global community.
UNAMA has also been tasked with supporting efforts to establish an inclusive, representative and accountable government in which women, young people, minorities and persons with disabilities can participate meaningfully and safely in political processes.
Supporting mine-clearance programmes, reducing the risks posed by unexploded ordnance, strengthening regional cooperation, and reporting on Afghanistan’s political, security, economic and human rights situation will remain among the mission’s key responsibilities.
The resolution requires the UN Secretary-General to submit a report on Afghanistan and the implementation of UNAMA’s mandate every three months. It also calls for a further strategic review of UNAMA’s structure and performance by the end of March 2027 to improve effectiveness and strengthen coordination among UN agencies operating in Afghanistan.
Central bank assets
The Security Council also asked UNAMA to support efforts to facilitate access to Afghanistan’s central bank assets for the benefit of the Afghan people.
The resolution states that UNAMA should coordinate with donors and international institutions to support legitimate commercial and financial activities and contribute to Afghanistan’s development priorities and economic self-reliance.
The provision comes as a portion of Afghanistan’s central bank reserves remains frozen abroad following the Taliban’s return to power. China and Russia have consistently supported granting the Taliban access to these funds.
The Security Council further reaffirmed the United Nations’ central role in Afghanistan and called on UNAMA to mediate dialogue among Afghanistan’s relevant authorities, regional countries, the international community and civil society to promote constructive engagement.
Under the resolution, UNAMA will continue coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring and reporting on political, security, economic and human rights developments, supporting inclusive governance and meaningful participation by women, and serving as the central pillar of UN activities in Afghanistan.
Local sources in Herat’s Jebrail area told Afghanistan International that the Taliban has detained two men accused of filming the moment its forces opened fire on protesters during demonstrations earlier this week.
According to the sources, the detainees are two shopkeepers whose premises captured footage of Taliban forces firing at demonstrators during protests on 9 June.
The video, which shows a Taliban fighter aiming his weapon at protesters and opening fire, was widely shared on social media and prompted widespread reaction.
Earlier, the United Nations confirmed that at least one teenage boy was killed by Taliban gunfire during the protests, while several others were injured after reportedly being beaten by Taliban forces.
The protests erupted in response to the Taliban’s mass detention of women accused of violating the group’s dress code requirements.