Topic:
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Andre Stoll
United Nations Security Council
Situation In Afghanistan
United Kingdom
Andre Stoll
Forest Hills Eastern
Afghanistan has existed in a state of nearly perpetual conflict since the 1970s, following a coup in 1973. Since then, there have been at least three brutal civil wars and two conflicts with major global powers. This sustained fighting has destroyed Afghanistan. Millions of people have died, millions more have been displaced, the majority of infrastructure is nonfunctional, there is an unprecedented need for humanitarian aid at a massive scale, and women have been continually oppressed, all while the government struggles to govern the nation and faces rebel and separatist threats. The government has also allegedly abused and mishandled humanitarian aid sent to the country, resulting in many nations stopping funding for these programs. Additionally, following the Taliban’s seizing of power in 2021, the nation now faces countless international restrictions, embargos, and sanctions. All of these factors have combined to destroy the Afghani economy, resulting in the second-lowest GDP per capita in the world.
The United Kingdom (U.K.) has provided extensive support to Afghanistan over the years through millions of dollars in aid and accepting thousands of refugees and asylum seekers. However, following the Taliban’s recapture of control over Afghanistan, the U.K. is distraught to see renewed efforts at restricting the rights of women and violence targeting specific ethnic groups within Afghanistan. Additionally, the U.K. is deeply disturbed by the recent increase in alleged terrorist groups active in the region. The U.K. firmly believes that significant steps must be taken to further equality within Afghanistan, promote economic growth, and prevent the activities of terrorist affiliates. The U.K. is also willing to work with stable and willing powers in the region to help organize and increase the capacity of refugee camps for those fleeing Afghanistan.
The Situation in Afghanistan has proven incredibly difficult to resolve over the past five decades of conflict, and it should not be viewed as a problem that can be easily or quickly solved. The situation will only improve over the long run, with sustained investment from United Nations (U.N) members and incentives placed on the government by the U.N. Equality, especially for women and other minority groups, must be a focus. If the Taliban is unwilling to make steps in the right direction of their own accord, then the U.N. must find ways to incentivize positive domestic developments. Additionally, terrorism in the region not only affects Afghanistan but also the entirety of the world. Afghanistan can not be allowed to again become a terrorist haven like it was before the 9/11 attacks in 2001. To achieve this goal, the U.N. will have to collaborate with the Taliban regime in counterterrorism efforts, and if this is not realized, the U.N. will have to enact further strict sanctions on the nation. The current sanctions and the threat of further sanctions can be used to encourage the Taliban to move Afghanistan in the correct direction. If the Taliban works with the U.N., then it will be possible to seriously improve the situation within this deeply troubled nation.
