Ireland to host UN meeting on women in Afghanistan as situation deteriorates

The Taliban’s swift advance has left the capital Kabul surrounded and the government of Ashraf Ghani in severe danger of being overthrown

Taliban fighters stand guard along the roadside in Herat, Afghanistan's third biggest city, after government forces pulled out the day before following weeks of being under siege. Credit: Getty

Ireland will host a special United Nations meeting this week in response to the deteriorating situation for women in Afghanistan, the Department of Foreign Affairs has said.

The department said it was “gravely concerned” with the advance of the Taliban across Afghanistan in recent days, but could not commit to helping any Irish citizens evacuate the country.

However, it did say it was “ready to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens” in Afghanistan, and advised ...