WHEN one thinks of the people of Afghanistan, it is impossible not to be consumed by a deep sense of pessimism. Living in the shadow of war and broken governance for decades, generations in our neighbouring country have been repeatedly disappointed by those who have vowed to find solutions. Last week, a senior UN official highlighted that Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis this year, notwithstanding the devastating earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. The situation is abysmal; girls have been gradually withdrawn from schools by the Taliban and not allowed to return. Women are kept out of the workplace. Though women have been allowed to teach, and partake in the medical field to provide services, they are only allowed to do so in the presence of a mahram. Despite the international community’s criticism and pressure, the Taliban’s outlook on women’s rights remains unchanged. Worse, the effects of climate change and economic difficulties have plunged Afghans further into turmoil, with 28m people now dependent on aid for survival. As GDP falls, food costs rise and unemployment increases, families are left to spend most of their earnings on food.

Every report coming from Afghanistan paints a picture of suffering, neglect and despondency. What is the future of Afghanistan, when the hopes of its people and their abilities to work towards a better life are crushed? The international community, and especially countries like the US, must remember why Afghanistan is in this sorry state, and continue to provide assistance to its people at any cost. The Taliban are stubborn, but this must not discourage rights organisations and political leaders from attempting a breakthrough by constantly reminding them of human rights. The Afghans have suffered for far too long, and have faced the harshest realities of war. There is no clear solution to their misery, and certainly no shortcut, but consistent engagement, support and pushback are critical to give Afghanistan’s people some hope.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2023