Guyana’s diplomat urges global action as A3+ sounds alarm over Afghanistan crisis at UN Security Council

At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Monday, the A3+ group—comprising Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana, delivered a joint statement expressing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian, security, and human rights situation in Afghanistan.

The statement was delivered by Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on behalf of the A3+ group. It underscored the group’s firm commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity, while reaffirming solidarity with the Afghan people. Rodrigues-Birkett thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Otunbayeva, Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous for their briefings.

Humanitarian crisis worsens
Citing alarming humanitarian conditions, the A3+ drew attention to the plight of nearly 23 million Afghans in need of lifesaving assistance, attributing the crisis to persistent food insecurity, malnutrition, natural disasters, and limited access to basic services. The group called on international donours and humanitarian agencies to increase support, noting that the closure of health and nutrition facilities has left millions without access to essential care.
The statement also condemned violence and detentions targeting humanitarian personnel, including 13 UN staff members. The A3+ called on the Taliban to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Afghanistan.

Rights of women and girls under siege
A central focus of the statement was the continued repression of Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule. The A3+ expressed deep concern over the enforcement of the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Law (PVPV), which has led to increased restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms.
“Regrettably, 2025 marks the fourth consecutive year in which girls and women of Afghanistan have been denied access to education beyond grade 6,” the statement read. “Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls and women are systematically barred from secondary and higher education.”
The A3+ reiterated its call for the immediate reopening of schools and universities to all Afghan girls and women and urged the Taliban to rescind discriminatory laws and policies.

Security and counterterrorism concerns
On the security front, the A3+ highlighted ongoing threats from terrorist groups, including ISIL-K, which recently claimed responsibility for attacks in Kunduz City and Kabul. The group urged the Taliban to intensify counterterrorism efforts and welcomed regional cooperation aimed at stabilising Afghanistan.
They also expressed alarm at the toll of unexploded ordnance, particularly on children, and called for increased international support for demining and risk education initiatives.
Call for inclusive and coordinated engagement
Looking ahead, the A3+ emphasised the need for structured and inclusive engagement between Afghanistan and the international community. The group welcomed ongoing dialogues under the Doha process, including working groups on counter-narcotics and private sector development, as confidence-building measures.
They also acknowledged efforts by UNAMA and the UN Secretariat to facilitate multilateral engagement with the Taliban, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in any future political framework.
The A3+ reaffirmed its full support for UNAMA and Special Representative Otunbayeva, and urged the Taliban to adhere to Afghanistan’s international obligations for the well-being of all its citizens.