UN Agencies Pledge to Remain in Afghanistan Despite Challenges

United Nations agencies pledge to remain in Afghanistan despite the challenges. The U.N Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the U.N. has been in Afghanistan uninterrupted for 70 years and it has every intention to stay to help those who need it most.

There are about 300 U.N. staff members in Afghanistan. And, they have coordinated much of the humanitarian assistance provided by more than 150 U.N. and non-governmental agencies to eight million Afghans this year.

The Humanitarian Affairs Office says it will engage with anyone, including the Taliban, to serve those in need, and its role is based on the core principles of neutrality and impartiality.

The U.N. Refugee Agency is providing food, shelter, hygiene, and other aid to some 400,000 Afghans newly displace this year. The U.N.’s World Food Program is increasing food assistance to nine million acutely hungry Afghans this year.

An urgent meeting on developments in Afghanistan is being coordinated by the U.N. Security Council.

(CGTN)