Afghanistan

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Mr. Kenzo Oshima, who had visited

Afghanistan from 12 to 17 February 2001, presented Members of the Council with the first report of the Secretary-General on

the humanitarian implications of the measures imposed by Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1333(2000).

The members noted the report's important conclusion that during the reporting period, the humanitarian situation had not been

noticeably and additionally affected by the imposition of the new sanctions imposed under resolution 1333 (2000). They also

noted the Secretary-General's assessment that exemption mechanisms for humanitarian assistance were functioning smoothly

and that humanitarian operations had not been disrupted by the sanctions. Bearing in mind the extreme vulnerability of the

Afghan population, the members emphasised that some potentially negative factors should be closely followed in the future.

The members reiterated their serious concern at the desperate situation of the Afghan people, who were suffering under a

combination of escalating conflict and the displacement, severe drought, frigid winter weather, and serious food shortages

-particularly in remote areas of the country. They regretted that the continued fighting and the absence of effective government

exacerbated the already precarious situation of the Afghan people.

The members again urged Member-States to respond urgently and generously to the UN's Consolidated Appeal for

Afghanistan and urged the parties to guarantee the secure and uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid including that by NGOs

and humanitarian agencies to all of those in need.

In light of its critical nature, the members expressed their intention to continue the consideration of the humanitarian situation in

Afghanistan on a regular basis.