Jan Egeland: Reopen Embassies to Engage with Afghanistan’s Authorities
Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, during his visit to Kabul urged other countries to reopen their embassies in Kabul.
Egeland emphasized the importance of education for both girls and boys in Afghanistan and stated that he has discussed this matter with the Islamic Emirate officials.
At the end of his visit, he told that addressing the situation of refugees, increasing development aid, and meeting with the Islamic Emirate officials were among his main objectives.
“I also 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. Thirdly, I meet Taliban de facto authorities in the country and I have good and substantive meetings where all issues come up,” Egeland told .
He further said that in meetings with Islamic Emirate officials, they discussed shelter, water and sanitation, livelihood support, food security, and education for both boys and girls.
The head of the Norwegian Refugee Council emphasized: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy said the activities of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Afghanistan are beneficial.
“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 .
“Their meetings indicate that the Norwegian Refugee Council’s assistance will not take place without government coordination. It is necessary to consider the urgent needs of refugees,” said Shaker Yaqubi, an economic analyst.
Since the Islamic Emirate took power, Jan Egeland has visited Afghanistan four times, aiming to increase aid for the citizens of the country.
