New York-Sana
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties in Afghanistan to immediately stop the violence and form a government that represents everyone, including women, and called on the countries of the world to increase humanitarian aid to it.
"I call for an immediate end to the violence, respect for the security and rights of all Afghans and respect for Afghanistan's international obligations, including all international agreements that this country has undertaken," Guterres was quoted by AFP as saying in a report to the Security Council.
"I call on the Taliban and all other parties to exercise maximum restraint to protect lives and ensure that humanitarian needs are met," Guterres said in the report issued in the context of the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations political mission in Afghanistan, which expires on September 17.
The province of Panjshir is witnessing violent clashes between Taliban militants who are trying to occupy the province and the "Resistance Front" led by Ahmed Masoud.
Guterres explained that only 38 percent of the United Nations humanitarian response plan was funded, while the organization is urgently seeking $800 million.
"I call on all donors to renew their support so that the vital response is urgently reinforced, delivered on time, and suffering is alleviated, and I call on all countries to accept the reception of Afghan refugees and to refrain from any expulsion," Guterres said.
Guterres expressed concern over reports of severe restrictions on human rights across the country and in particular reports of increased human rights violations against Afghan women and girls.
A UN report revealed that the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan affects 18 million people, or half of the country's population.
