Attending the high-level conference on humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, held on Monday in Geneva, Guterres was optimistic with the meeting´s results, UNSG´s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.

‘The people of Afghanistan need a lifeline,’ Guterres said. ‘After decades of war, suffering and insecurity, they face perhaps their most perilous hour. Now is the time for the international community to stand with them.’

In Geneva, Guterres insisted that funding is urgently needed to address this crisis and urged donors to support the $606 million flash appeal to aid 11 million people in Afghanistan for upcoming four months.

Then, secondly, he asked to promote unimpeded humanitarian access, including an airlift with Kabul and other centers in Afghanistan.

In a third term, the Portuguese diplomat said that we must safeguard the rights of women and girls.

Finally, he stressed, it is necessary to ensure that the humanitarian response saves lives and also means of subsistence.

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has already allocated $20 million to support humanitarian aids in Afghanistan, but Guterres warned of UN´s shortage of resources on the ground.

pgh/Pll/oda / ifb