Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Top official at UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) told reporters, “Airstrikes and cross border clashes have disrupted the delivery of humanitarian assistance and contributed to both primary and secondary displacement,” reiterating the Secretary-General’s call for “restraint de-escalation for the parties to recommit to a ceasefire and for renewed diplomatic engagement.”

Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) spoke to reporters via video link,

She said, “looking ahead, we’re concerned that after Eid al-Fitr, the situation could deteriorate further and we urge both sides to step back, accept mediation and prevent a broader regional crisis.”

Gagnon also reminded the de facto authorities of their international obligations on counterterrorism, “particularly on concerns raised by neighboring States.”

She also briefed on how the conflict in the Middle East is already negatively affecting Afghanistan, “with traditional trade corridors disrupted and instability affecting regional supply routes, prices of basic commodities in Afghanistan are rising, adding pressure on an already fragile economy.”

“Humanitarian partners anticipate new inflows of Afghan returnees, adding strain to the communities that are already hosting millions who have returned since 2023,” Gagnon added.

The top UNAMA official also said, “the continued shocks economic, humanitarian and political underscore Afghanistan’s isolation from the international system, which remains a core obstacle to addressing the country’s longer term stability, economic growth and human rights concerns.”

On the UN’s engagement, she said, the mission continues to “pursue principled and pragmatic political engagement through the Doha Process, in line with the independent assessment and the mandate given by the UN Security Council.”

“This engagement is the only structured multilateral platform where the concerns of all the Afghan people, the international community and the de facto authorities can be addressed fairly and constructively,” Gagnon added.

She also said, “the de facto authorities decisions continue to undermine prospects for reintegration, particularly restrictions on women and girls, and the ban preventing UN female national staff from reporting to their places of work.”

“These measures are inconsistent with Afghanistan’s international obligations and impair our ability to deliver assistance and reach, particularly women and girls,” the top UNAMA official concluded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bzn_iLttoE

Source: United Nations (video statements)

‘Around the world, we hear much talk of peace, but we see far too little of it,’ UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a ceremony in Türkiye while accepting the Atatürk International Award for Peace.
The UN chief met President Erdogan of Türkiye to discuss developments in the Middle East and other key issues.
His visit to Türkiye is also the latest solidarity visit to a Muslim nation to mark the holy month of Ramadan in what has become an annual tradition.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W0V4kc3ono0

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Remarks by Ambassador Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani, Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, at the Security Council Media Stakeout

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLvxpdQFFyE

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

– Secretary-General/Türkiye
– Middle East/Humanitarian
– Iran
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– Lebanon
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Sudan
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Financial Contribution
– Briefing Tomorrow

MIDDLE EAST/HUMANITARIAN

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, our humanitarian colleagues remind us that the region is home to some of the largest numbers of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally. The recent escalation risks deepening civilian suffering and causing further damage to already fragile civilian infrastructure.

According to UNHCR, more than 4.1 million people have been internally displaced in Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon and Pakistan since the beginning of the escalation. Additionally, some 117,000 people have sought refuge in another country. It’s important to note these numbers are based on data provided to us by authorities.

We and our humanitarian partners are continuing to provide humanitarian aid to people impacted across several countries and remain ready to ramp up our response in support of national authorities where needed.

IRAN

And just on Iran alone, our colleagues at UNHCR are telling us that between 600,000 and 1 million Iranian households are now temporarily displaced inside their country as a result of the ongoing conflict.

This is a preliminary assessments, and that adds up to about 3.2 million people.

UNHCR says that most of them are reportedly fleeing from Tehran and other major urban areas towards the north of the country and rural areas to seek safety.

They say this figure is likely to continue to rise as hostilities persist, adding that, as you can imagine, it will just add another level of humanitarian needs.

Also affected are refugee families hosted in Iran. Most of them are Afghans, who are particularly vulnerable, given their already precarious situation and limited support networks.

UNHCR is adapting its response to these growing needs, working with national authorities and partners to assess emerging needs and strengthening preparedness as population movement increases.

We join them in emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians, to maintain humanitarian access, and ensure that borders remain open to those seeking safety, in line with country’s international obligations.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-03-12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShtekNQy9T0