Afghanistan’s exclusion from COP28 ‘regrettable’, says NEPA

Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) expressed regret Thursday at the country not having been invited to send a representative to the UN’s climate conference, COP28, which is currently underway.

The annual Conference of Parties (COP) got underway on Thursday November 30 and will run through to December 12, where delegates from around the world will address the challenges posed by climate change.

In a statement issued by NEPA, the agency said: “Regrettably, Afghanistan’s delegates have not been extended an invitation to attend the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“Despite the National Environmental Protection Agency’s comprehensive efforts to advocate for Afghanistan’s stance and address the urgent needs of the Afghanistan’s climate-affected population, expedite the financial aid process from global climate finance mechanisms, submit Afghanistan’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) in accordance with the Paris Agreement, and revive halted environmental projects for presentation at the Conference of Parties (COP), Afghan delegates, regrettably, have not received invitations to the conference, purportedly due to political factors,” the statement read.

COP28 provides an “ideal platform for countries, particularly those most affected and vulnerable developing nations, to articulate their concerns and the threats they face due to climate change. Furthermore, it serves as a means for these countries to access financial and technical resources to address the impacts of climate change.

“Presently, global climate change and the associated phenomenon of global warming represent significant environmental challenges on a global scale, with discernible ramifications for Afghanistan.

“Despite Afghanistan’s minimal contribution of 0.08% to the global greenhouse gas emissions, in comparison to other nations, it remains one of the most susceptible countries to the deleterious impacts of climate change, being ranked sixth in terms of vulnerability,” the statement read.

NEPA went on to say the susceptibility of Afghanistan to the effects of climate change is poised to worsen the economic and social circumstances of its people.

“The occurrence of severe floods and unseasonal rains in Afghanistan has led to significant financial and human tolls. This state of affairs serves as a testament to the potential negative repercussions of the climate crisis, potentially giving rise to a humanitarian emergency,” NEPA said.

NEPA also stated that the exclusion of Afghanistan at COP28 poses significant constraints on the country’s access to financial mechanisms and the suspension of climate change adaptation projects in the country represents a grave injustice against the Afghan people.

NEPA said: “Despite its limited resources, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is dedicated to mitigating the impacts of climate change in pursuit of its predetermined objectives. We anticipate unwavering support from our international partners in addressing this global phenomenon in Afghanistan and expect the facilitation of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s representatives in international forums and conferences without the influence of political factors.”

Aid agencies meanwhile say climate-driven disasters are exacerbating Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis which has left about two-thirds of the country’s 40 million people needing assistance.

Analysts also warn that Afghanistan’s climate challenges could have global repercussions – fuelling mass migration and impacting water availability in neighboring countries.

But Afghanistan’s international isolation – no country formally recognises the IEA government – means it has been excluded from COP28.