Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan increased by 330 percent and opium production rose by 400 percent in 2026 compared to last year, according to a new survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce said, “Over the past five years, the Taliban have systematically reversed decades of hard-won progress on women’s participation in peace and security... These practices are unacceptable and must cease immediately.”
The Afghan Taliban called Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan “an act of aggression and crime in violation of all accepted principles.”
The WHO said so far this year, 48 positive cases of the wild poliovirus have been registered globally, 42 of which are in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan.
During the meeting with the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Rubio pledged government and private sector cooperation, with the announcement of 54 agreements and proposed projects.
Rabab Fatima is taking charge of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan when the country faces growing human rights concerns and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The suspension of the BBC’s FM broadcasts adds to growing concerns over media freedom in Afghanistan.
The United Nations is calling on the Taliban to reopen schools for Afghan girls beyond sixth grade, saying keeping girls in school is “one of the most powerful ways” to protect their rights and prevent child marriage.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees, in a statement last week, said some 492,300 Afghans have been deported from Iran, which represents 85% of those returned to Afghanistan in 2026.
The French government has confirmed ‘technical’ talks with the Taliban to facilitate the deportation to Afghanistan of Afghan nationals residing without legal status or who are considered a national security threat in France.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the United Nations will work with Pakistan to “uphold protection principles and ensure that returns of Afghans proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way.”
Load more
