Afghanistan Times
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Kabul, Afghanistan – Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), has called on countries to reopen their embassies in Kabul to foster engagement with Afghanistan’s authorities and strengthen humanitarian efforts.
During his visit to Kabul, Egeland emphasized the urgent need for education for both boys and girls in Afghanistan. He revealed that he had discussed key issues such as education, shelter, food security, and water and sanitation with officials from the Islamic Emirate.
“I ask countries to bring back their embassies here to engage with the authorities like we do and to help us do principled work for and with Afghans according to humanitarian principles and human rights,” Egeland told TOLOnews. He described his meetings with Taliban officials as “good and substantive,” addressing critical concerns facing Afghan citizens.
Highlighting the importance of equal education access, Egeland said, “Food security and also education for boys and girls is a fundamental principle for us. We need to see there is education both for girls and for boys. We should have equal rights, human rights, wherever it is in the world.”
Egeland’s visit aimed to address refugee issues, increase development aid, and engage with the Islamic Emirate to ensure coordinated humanitarian efforts. This marks his fourth visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed power.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy praised the NRC’s efforts, underscoring their importance in addressing the country’s pressing needs. “Reopening embassies can facilitate aid to the Afghan people and strengthen engagement between Afghanistan and the international community,” Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, told TOLOnews.
Economic analyst Shaker Yaqubi added, “The Norwegian Refugee Council’s assistance will not take place without government coordination. It is necessary to consider the urgent needs of refugees.”
Egeland concluded his visit with a call to the international community to step up its support for Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for sustained humanitarian assistance and equitable access to education and resources for all Afghans.
