KABUL, 5 October 2026 — United Nations political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo concluded a visit to Afghanistan after pressing the de facto authorities on women’s and girls’ rights, restrictions on Afghan female UN personnel and the need for practical progress through dialogue.
DiCarlo reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to the Doha process and noted advances in its working groups on counter-narcotics and the private sector. Both sides agreed to continue engagement.
She conveyed Member States’ concerns about the situation of Afghan women and girls, particularly the continuing barriers to girls’ education, and argued that restoring their rights would support the country’s development.
The Under-Secretary-General also raised restrictions affecting Afghan women employed by the United Nations, whose work is essential to reaching communities and engaging women who may otherwise be inaccessible to male aid personnel.
Her discussions covered Afghanistan’s broader socioeconomic pressures, climate risks and natural disasters. DiCarlo said the UN stood ready to help Afghans returning from neighbouring countries.
During separate meetings with women leaders and civil-society representatives, she recognized their contribution to communities across Afghanistan and underscored that human rights must remain part of the international engagement process.
The account was checked against the official statement from the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and independent Afghan reporting. Both sources confirm the visit’s focus on the Doha process, girls’ education, female UN staff and support for returnees.
References
- UN DPPA — Rosemary DiCarlo concludes visit to Afghanistan, 5 October 2026
- Ariana News — UN envoy urges progress on women’s rights, 5 October 2026
- Ariana News — Muttaqi and DiCarlo discuss Afghanistan–UN cooperation, 3 October 2026
Featured photo: Wanman uthmaniyyah/Unsplash.