Calls For EU To Increase Support Of Afghan Refugees

Approximately 3,500 Afghan refugees at refugee camp on Greek Island

There are calls meanwhile for the EU to step-up its efforts to support refugees from Afghanistan.

Maria Walsh is currently on the Greek island of Lesbos, visiting a reception camp of about 3,500 refugees.

Approximately 50% of the refugees arrived from Taliban controlled country, with more expected to arrive.

Speaking from the island, the MEP said more needs to be done on combatting Covid-19 at the facilities:

The Midlands North-West MEP says Covid-19 has also become a serious issue in the reception camp:

She says anyone with mental health difficulties is having to live without any help, as there's none at the camp:

The UN Security Council has voted for a resolution on peacekeeping transitions to help resolve conflicts.

The meeting, chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney took place in New York on Afghanistan, with the Minister calling for rights of women and girls to be protected by the Taliban.

Meanwhile, the Taliban says it is safe for diplomats to return to Afghanistan - stressing they want to rebuild relations with foreign embassies.

A flight of 113 people was allowed to leave Kabul yesterday for the first time since western troops left.

Up to 200 people - including American, Canadian and German nationals - were on board the Qatar Airways plane to Doha.

Qatari Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed al-Qahtani says it's a significant development:

There have been protests by women since the Taliban took over - the group have now banned demonstrations.

Journalist Taqi Daryabi was beaten for reporting on a protest - his wounds were widely shared online - but he says it won't stop him: