The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, announced today that the organization will hold, on September 13, an international conference on Afghanistan in Geneva to help it avoid a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

Antonio Guterres tweeted that he would seek an immediate boost in humanitarian funds, adding that the international community must unite to support the Afghan people.

The UN also calls for full and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that Afghans continue to receive the basic services they need, noting that the United Nations stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and is committed to staying and providing assistance.

Now more than ever, Afghan children, women & men need support & solidarity from the international community.

I will convene a high-level humanitarian conference for Afghanistan on 13 September to advocate for a swift scale-up in funding & full, unimpeded access to those in need. pic.twitter.com/nOnoNFCEuy

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 3, 2021

Several aid organizations warned that many Afghans were struggling to feed their families during a severe drought before the Taliban seized control last month and that millions of them may now suffer starvation as a result of the state's isolation and the collapse of the economy.

In a related context, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the international community to take effective steps to prevent the outbreak of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, adding Russia is studying the possibility of delivering humanitarian aid to Kabul.

Last week, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Afghanistan calling on the Taliban to ensure the safe exit of Afghans and foreign nationals from the country.