The United States has called for a reassessment of international assistance to Afghanistan, citing restrictions imposed by the Taliban and limitations on women’s rights. Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the council should carefully review funding for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), whose mandate is due for renewal next week. While acknowledging that Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis, Waltz said international aid must be evaluated given the restrictions imposed by the Taliban, including limits on female staff working in UN offices. Meanwhile, Georgette Gagnon, acting head of UNAMA, warned that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is worsening due to declining funding. She said aid agencies aim to assist 17.5 million Afghans in 2026 through a $1.71 billion appeal, but only 10 percent of the funds have been secured so far.
