A/RES/54/189A-B Page 8 Welcoming the ongoing work of gender and human rights advisers appointed by the United Nations, who form an integral part of the office of the United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, Welcoming the visit of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on violence against women, its causes and consequences to Afghanistan in September 1999, and looking forward to her conclusions and recommendations, Expressing its grave concern for the well-being of internally displaced persons, particularly in Kabul and in the Panjshir, Bamian and Kunduz regions, and the civilian population of Afghanistan living without shelter, who face a long winter possibly deprived of basic foods as a result of the recent fighting, as well as the denial by the warring factions of adequate conditions for the delivery of aid by humanitarian organizations, Distressed by the loss of life caused by earthquakes and epidemics, and expressing its appreciation to all States, international agencies and non-governmental organizations that have provided emergency relief, Affirming the urgent need to continue international humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for the restoration of basic services, as well as the need for the conflicting parties to guarantee the safety and security of the personnel of all international organizations, Welcoming the principle-centred approach towards humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation in Afghanistan as outlined in the Strategic Framework for Afghanistan and in the document entitled “Next Steps for the United Nations in Afghanistan”, and the common programming mechanisms introduced by the United Nations, and also welcoming the initiative to establish an independent strategic monitoring unit, Expressing its gratitude to all Governments that have rendered assistance to Afghan refugees, and, at the same time, calling on all parties to continue to honour their obligations for the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons and to allow international access for their protection and care, Recognizing the need for continuing international assistance for the maintenance abroad and the voluntary repatriation and resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons, and welcoming the voluntary return of refugees to rural districts in Afghanistan that are relatively stable and secure, Expressing its appreciation to the United Nations system, to all States and international and nongovernmental organizations that have responded positively and continue to respond, where conditions permit, to the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan, as well as to the Secretary-General for his efforts in mobilizing and coordinating the delivery of appropriate humanitarian assistance, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General,4 and endorses the observations contained therein; 2. Stresses that the responsibility for the humanitarian crisis lies with all warring parties, in particular with the Taliban;  $