UN Chief Urges Scaled-Up Aid for Afghanistan Ahead of Ramadan

DID Press: António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called on governments to scale up humanitarian assistance ahead of Ramadan, urging greater cooperation and solidarity to ease suffering in crisis-hit regions, including Afghanistan.

In a message marking the approach of the holy month, Guterres said Ramadan symbolizes empathy, generosity, and social responsibility, and should be used as an opportunity to alleviate the hardships faced by millions of vulnerable people worldwide.

He said millions in Afghanistan continue to face widespread poverty, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and restrictions on education. Guterres warned that declining funding for aid operations has constrained the capacity of humanitarian agencies to meet urgent needs.

The UN chief urged governments, international financial institutions, and relief organizations to increase support and ensure that political differences do not obstruct life-saving assistance. He also renewed calls for humanitarian ceasefires in conflict zones, saying Ramadan could serve as a catalyst for peace and dialogue.

Guterres expressed hope that Ramadan this year would mark the beginning of tangible action to reduce human suffering and strengthen global solidarity.