Afghanistan: People's Fate 'Hangs In The Balance', Country's UN Representative Says

The fate of the Afghan people "hangs in the balance", the country's representative has told the United Nations Security Council.

At an emergency meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Ghulam M Isaczai said he was "speaking on behalf of millions of people in Afghanistan" who "are faced with an extremely uncertain future".

"I'm speaking for millions of Afghan girls and women who are about to lose their freedom to go to school, to work, and to participate in the political, economic, and social life of the country," he said.

"I'm speaking for thousands of human rights defenders, journalists, academics, civil servants and former security personnel whose lives are at risk for defending human rights and democracy."

He went on: "I'm speaking for thousands of internally displaced people who are desperately in need of shelter, food and protection in Kabul and other places."

Watch: Afghanistan – chaos as civilians cling to US aircraft leaving Kabul.

He also said there is extreme concern about the Taliban "not honouring the promises and commitments made in their statements at Doha" – where a deal was negotiated between the group and the Afghan government.

"We've witnessed time and again how Taliban have broken their promises and commitments in the past," he said.

"We have seen gruesome images of Taliban mass executions of military personnel and target killings of civilians in Kandahar and other big cities.

"We cannot allow this to happen in Kabul, which has been the last refuge for many people escaping violence and Taliban's revenge attacks," he added.

Mr Isaczai also called on the UN to put pressure on the Taliban "to prevent further violence, prevent Afghanistan descending into a civil war and becoming a pariah state".

"Kabul residents are living in absolute fear right now," he said.

His comments come after the Taliban seized control of huge swathes of Afghanistan following the announcement US troops would complete their withdrawal from the country on 31 August.

Watch: Emotional Defence Secretary admits 'some people won't get back' from Afghanistan.

At the emergency session, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres urged the Taliban to uphold human rights.

Mr Guterres said the UN is "receiving chilling reports of severe restrictions on human rights" throughout Afghanistan and are "particularly concerned by accounts of mounting human rights violations" against Afghan women and girls.

"The international community must unite to make sure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or safe haven for terrorist organisations," he said.

"Afghans are a proud people with a rich cultural heritage. 

"They have known generations of war and hardship. They deserve our full support.

"The following days will be pivotal, the world is watching. We cannot and must not abandon the people of Afghanistan," he added.

Cover image: Taliban (Picture: Reuters).