RASC News Agency: Hamish Falconer, the UK Minister for South Asia, has reaffirmed Britain’s steadfast commitment to the people of Afghanistan, emphasizing that London continues to play a pivotal role in providing humanitarian aid to the country. Hosting a high-level humanitarian conference attended by representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Falconer stressed that discussions centered on Afghanistan’s dire humanitarian situation and the urgent need for international support. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he declared:
“It was an honor to host the World Food Programme and the UN Population Fund in Afghanistan to discuss their life-saving efforts, made possible through UK funding, which directly benefits the Afghanistani people. We remain unwavering in our commitment, particularly to women and girls.” Falconer underscored the moral and strategic necessity of supporting the Afghanistani population, reiterating that defending the rights of Afghanistani women and girls remains a cornerstone of the UK’s policy. However, experts argue that verbal commitments alone are insufficient and must be translated into concrete action.
Adila Zamani, a prominent women’s rights activist, noted: “While numerous nations emphasize the importance of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan, such statements remain hollow unless accompanied by binding enforcement mechanisms. Without real action, these declarations will have no tangible impact on the lives of Afghanistani women.” Since the establishment of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, the UK has provided £304 million in aid.
Meanwhile, economic analysts recognize that sustained humanitarian assistance is essential in the short term, yet they caution that lasting stability hinges on comprehensive economic and political reforms. Over three years since the Taliban’s return to power, no country has formally recognized their regime. The group has intensified restrictions on civil liberties, leaving millions of Afghanistani men and women increasingly marginalized, fearful, and uncertain about the future.
Despite mounting international criticism, the Taliban persist in portraying Afghanistan as secure, dismissing widespread concerns over systematic human rights abuses, economic deterioration, and social repression.
