Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, visited Afghanistan from 18 to 21 May. She met with the de facto authorities and the diplomatic community in Kabul as well as with representatives of civil society. The United Nations meeting of Special Envoys in Doha on 30 June and 1 July was at the centre of her discussions.

She extended to the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, an advance invitation from the Secretary-General to participate at the upcoming meeting of Special Envoys. The meeting aims to increase international engagement with Afghanistan in a more coherent, coordinated and structured manner.

Ms. DiCarlo discussed with interlocutors the various challenges Afghanistan is facing. During her visit, Afghan stakeholders urged that any strategy for international engagement give attention to the combined humanitarian, development and economic challenges facing Afghanistan. They also raised the risks and threats posed by narcotics and terrorist groups.

The Under-Secretary-General discussed the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, especially the restrictions on female education.