A senior Afghan official has called on the United Nations to transfer Afghanistan’s seat in the General Assembly to the Taliban administration, amid ongoing humanitarian crises and international debates over the country’s representation at the UN.
In a statement reported widely by international media, Afghan Official Demands United Nations Hand Over Afghanistan’s de facto authorities urged the United Nations to immediately hand over the country’s seat in the General Assembly to Taliban representatives, arguing that the current arrangement denies legitimate representation three years after the group’s takeover in August 2021.
Taliban Push for UN Recognition Gains Momentum
The demand comes as Afghanistan grapples with deepening humanitarian challenges, including acute food insecurity affecting millions and restrictions on telecommunications that have disrupted aid delivery and essential services, according to United Nations reports. According to the UN News, Afghanistan is projected to remain one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises in 2026, with UN agencies launching a $1.7 billion appeal to assist nearly 18 million people in urgent need. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has repeatedly called on the de facto Taliban authorities to restore nationwide Internet and telecommunications access, which has been interrupted since 16 September in many parts of the country without prior notice, as detailed in UN press releases.
As reported by Anewz.tv, the Afghan official emphasised that the UN must recognise the current administration by transferring the seat, stating that continued exclusion undermines efforts to address the nation’s crises.
Historical Context of Afghanistan’s UN Representation
Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations has remained vacant in terms of representation by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021, with the General Assembly Credentials Committee holding the final say on legitimacy. This situation persists despite the Taliban’s control over Kabul and major provinces, amid global concerns over human rights, particularly restrictions on women and girls. UN Security Council briefings have highlighted the country’s escalating crises, with Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, scheduled to address the 15-member organ on the situation, as noted in UN press coverage.
Escalating Humanitarian Needs Strain International Response
Years of conflict, natural disasters, climate impacts and mass returns of displaced people have left 21.9 million Afghans – 45 per cent of the population – in need of aid in 2026, according to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan reported by UN News. Of these, 17.5 million, mostly women and children, are prioritised, with food security and sanitation as top concerns; over one-third of the population faces crisis-level or worse food insecurity during the 2025-2026 lean season. More than 2.6 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan due to tightened migration policies, exacerbating strains in poverty-hit districts, as outlined in the plan. OCHA reports estimate $1.71 billion required for 2026 response efforts, a 29 per cent reduction from 2025 despite targeting more people through efficiency gains and prioritisation.
Regional and Global Reactions to Representation Debate
The call for seat transfer occurs against a backdrop of Taliban efforts to build ties with neighbours, including Central Asian states. Security Council Report notes a November 2025 delegation from Tajikistan met Taliban representatives in Kabul to discuss diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation and regional security. Meanwhile, UNRCCA consultations in January 2026 are expected to address Afghanistan’s impact on Central Asia, potentially with UNAMA input. Broader Security Council dynamics in 2026, including elections and ongoing mandates, underscore divisions on global crises, though no direct outcomes on Afghanistan’s seat have been reported recently. International stakeholders, including UN officials, have warned of the resilience test for Afghans amid these crises, urging urgent action without endorsing representation changes.
UN press releases confirm ongoing briefings and appeals, with no immediate resolution on the seat transfer demand, as humanitarian priorities dominate discourse. The de facto authorities’ push highlights tensions between governance recognition and aid imperatives in a nation facing protracted instability.
