The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Sunday that he is deeply concerned with the “rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan”.

Guterres urges “the Taliban and all other parties to exercise utmost restraint in order to protect lives and ensure that humanitarian needs can be addressed”.

There has been a massive exodus of Afghan civilians from the city of Kabul. “There continue to be reports of serious human rights abuses and violations in the communities most affected by the fighting,” the statement said.

The need for protection of women and girls was highlighted in the statement, which called on the Taliban to, “ensure that international humanitarian law and the rights and freedoms of all people are respected and protected”.

The Taliban says it will ensure the safety of all diplomats and citizens and is ready to deal with the concerns of the international community through dialogue.

The UN Secretary-General announced he will address the Security Council Monday on Afghanistan’s deteriorating situation.

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!