Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana on behalf of the A3+ at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the situation in Afghanistan
Mr. President
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Guyana. The A3+ thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of UNAMA, Mrs. Roza Otunbayeva and Ms. Fatima Gailani for their briefings.
As Afghanistan grapples with complex and multifaceted challenges, a comprehensive and holistic approach is required. We encourage all parties to continue engaging on the recommendations of the report of the Independent Assessment.
Peace, stability, sustainable development and the eradication of poverty in Afghanistan can only be achieved through inclusivity and investment in the Afghan people. Considering that women make up almost half of the Afghan population, it is imperative to include women in the development process, and to consider them as truly important partners. To this end, their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in the public, political, economic, social and cultural life of the country must be guaranteed.
We call upon the Taliban to swiftly reverse all policies and practices that discriminate against women and girls and curtail the enjoyment of their human rights, and fundamental freedoms including rights to education, freedom of movement, and women’s right to employment. In this regard, the A3+ calls for the reopening of schools and universities for women and girls have access to all levels of education. We also call for the cessation of arbitrary arrests of women. The A3+ urges the Taliban to respect Afghanistan’s obligations under international law.
Afghanistan is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, and access to quality education for youths, including girls, will help boost economic growth and development in Afghanistan.
Mr. President
The security challenges in Afghanistan related to terrorism, drugs and weapons trafficking remain a serious concern. We recognize the ongoing efforts of the Taliban to combat drug trafficking and end opium cultivation while noting the consequent loss of income to farmers. We encourage the Taliban and the international community to support farmers in transitioning to alternative crops for sustainable livelihoods.
We recognize that regional involvement and interaction are important to improving Afghanistan’s economic and security situation and note the efforts by the Taliban in this regard.
The A3+ is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation affecting millions of people in Afghanistan. This is compounded by the large-scale return of Afghan refugees and the climate-related challenges. We note the support provided by the Taliban to returnees.
We commend UNAMA for the delivery and coordination of the humanitarian assistance and encourage international donors to increase support. We urge the removal of restrictions on female aid workers as this is negatively impacting the reach and effectiveness of humanitarian operations.
The A3+ emphasizes that more sustainable forms of international assistance beyond humanitarian aid is needed to address the basic human and economic needs of the population and to achieve long-term development for Afghanistan.
In conclusion, we express our full support to UNAMA and SRSG Otunbayeva and for their important work in Afghanistan and convey our support for the renewal of UNAMA's mandate.
