Statement following the meeting of the G7+ Special
Representatives for Afghanistan on 29-30 September 2025.
Special Representatives for Afghanistan and representatives from
Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Switzerland,
Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States met in London
on 29-30 September 2025. The Deputy Special Representative of the
Secretary-General (Political) and current Officer-in-Charge of
the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan,
Georgette Gagnon, also briefed the group. The UK, as the current
Chair of the group, presents the following summary:
-
Participants noted relevant UNSC resolutions on Afghanistan
and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the people of
Afghanistan amidst ongoing humanitarian, economic, and
political challenges, emphasising the importance of
coordinated international engagement and, for those who
contribute aid, to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable
Afghans.
-
The group expressed concern over the persistent
terrorist threat and cross-border migration security
challenges emanating from Afghanistan. They acknowledged the
important role regional actors were playing on this matter
and discussed what more could be done to cooperate on
counterterrorism issues, and safeguard all from terrorism
originating from Afghan soil.
-
All expressed their deep concern about the Taliban's
continued denial of the most basic human rights and
fundamental freedoms of the Afghan population, especially
Afghan women and girls, such as limiting their access to
education, employment, healthcare and public life, as well as
the recent restriction on female Afghan staff accessing UN
compounds. They reiterated the need for the Taliban to comply
with their international obligations.
-
The group also expressed alarm regarding the Taliban's
shutdown of internet services and the detrimental impact this
will have on Afghans' access to the outside world, the
delivery of vital aid, and wider Afghan economy. They called
for the full restoration of internet access for all Afghans.
-
The humanitarian crisis, including September's devastating
earthquake, the impact of large-scale deportations of Afghans
from neighbouring countries, and the urgent need to
pre-position resources ahead of winter, was discussed. The
important role of International Financial Institutions, such
as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, in
sustaining basic services across Afghanistan was also noted.
-
Recalling the most recent update to the UN Security Council
on 17 September, participants reviewed the UN-led process
known as the ‘Comprehensive Approach'. The group discussed
the need for effective coordination within the UN system and
expressed hope that the Secretary-General and the new SRSG,
once appointed, will pay full attention to advancing these
efforts in a unified UN approach on Afghanistan.
-
The group underlined the importance of this being an
inclusive Afghan process, as ultimately political pluralism
and inclusive governance are required for Afghanistan to
truly succeed. Lastly, they stressed the need for the Taliban
to demonstrate more willingness to engage constructively and
in good faith with the international community.
