RASC News Agency: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that youth from southern provinces of Afghanistan have engaged in an extended dialogue initiative facilitated by the organization. While these young individuals acknowledged certain positive developments under Taliban rule, they raised profound concerns regarding the deprivation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement released on Monday, December 2, UNAMA revealed that youth from provinces including Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul participated in discussions aimed at crafting a shared vision for Afghanistan’s future. These efforts culminated in the creation of a charter designed to “engage with [Taliban] authorities and the international community.” While UNAMA described the charter as encapsulating the aspirations of the youth, it refrained from disclosing detailed information about its content.
The statement highlighted that “participants acknowledged certain positive changes since August 2021, such as enhanced security and a decline in opium cultivation. However, they expressed significant concerns over enduring unemployment, restricted access to education, the erosion of fundamental human rights, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change.” One participant conveyed their frustration to UNAMA representatives, stating: “Sadly, we feel ignored, sidelined, and disillusioned, as though our voices have fallen on deaf ears. We are not merely seeking survival; we yearn for opportunities to flourish and contribute to the progress and future of our nation.”
According to UNAMA, nearly 75% of Afghanistan’s population is under 30 years old. Decades of conflict, instability, and lack of development have severely impacted the country’s youth, particularly in rural regions. The report emphasized that young Afghanistanis face significant challenges, including pervasive unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, and social exclusion. These hardships have prompted many to contemplate migration in pursuit of better opportunities abroad.
