Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, wrapped up her visit to Kabul on January 25, 2026. Her discussions centered on human rights, women’s roles, and Afghanistan’s future engagement with the global community.
During her three-day visit, DiCarlo met with officials from the Islamic Emirate, members of the diplomatic community, Afghan women, civil society representatives, and female UN staff. She aimed to assess the current challenges and explore constructive engagement strategies.
DiCarlo highlighted global concerns over Afghanistan’s situation, emphasizing the need for stability. She reiterated the UN’s support for efforts to achieve this goal and urged the Islamic Emirate to fully engage in the Doha process, crucial for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community.
She stressed the importance of Afghanistan’s cooperation with the global community, noting that the UN, having initiated the Doha process, seeks to work with all parties. This process, according to DiCarlo, should help Afghanistan meet its global responsibilities and gain full international recognition.
Abdul Sadeq Hamidzoy, a political analyst, commented on the expanding global engagement with Afghanistan, noting DiCarlo’s emphasis on the Doha process as a significant formal interaction recognizing Afghanistan’s realities.
DiCarlo also expressed serious concerns about restrictions on Afghan female UN staff and broader limitations on women’s access to education, employment, and public life. She called for the immediate removal of these restrictions, highlighting women’s vital role in Afghanistan’s stability and future.
Mumtaz Yousafzai, a women’s rights activist, remarked on the lack of practical outcomes from past engagements with the Islamic Emirate, despite the presence of the UN and international community over the past four years.
DiCarlo’s visit included meetings with the Islamic Emirate’s ministers of foreign and interior affairs and the acting ambassador of Iran in Kabul. Her visit underscores the international community’s ongoing commitment to Afghanistan’s stability and development.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 27th, 2026
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