UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja visits Afghanistan to address women’s issues

Kanni Wignaraja, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at the UN Development Office, has arrived in Afghanistan to engage in discussions pertaining to women-centric projects. The visit, reported by The Khaama Press, focuses on key areas such as women’s livelihood, empowerment, access to essential services, and their participation in society.

The United Nations officially announced Wignaraja’s visit on February 16, emphasizing her participation in dialogues dedicated to addressing women’s issues comprehensively. The discussions are anticipated to encompass a broad spectrum, highlighting the importance of women in various facets of Afghan society.

Wignaraja’s agenda extends beyond official dialogues, as she is scheduled to interact with development partners and representatives from the private sector. This holistic approach underscores a commitment to addressing Afghanistan’s multifaceted challenges by involving diverse stakeholders.

The ongoing efforts by UN officials to bolster women’s rights and participation align with a series of visits to Afghanistan. Eminent figures such as Wignaraja, along with Amiri and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammad, are intensifying diplomatic and multilateral endeavors to navigate complex issues alongside de facto authorities.

The absence of Islamic Emirate representation at the second two-day meeting in Doha, hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adds to the complexity of the situation. Special representatives from at least 20 countries are convening to discuss various issues behind closed doors, including the potential appointment of a new UN special representative for Afghanistan, the review of Feridon Sinirlioglu’s report as the UN special coordinator, and the discussion of human rights issues, particularly women’s rights.