I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Guyana.

We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, Mrs. Roza Otunbayeva, ASG Joyce Msuya of OCHA and the Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous for their briefings.

The A3+ reiterates its firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan and reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Afghan people.

Colleagues,

The people of Afghanistan continue to face multifaceted challenges including widespread poverty and unemployment, persistent security threats, a dire humanitarian crisis and continued restrictions on women and girls. The reduction in international financial assistance has exacerbated the already fragile economic situation.

The A3+ is gravely concerned about the impact of funding shortfalls on the provision of humanitarian assistance. Almost half of the Afghan population, 22.9 million people, require lifesaving support. This is due to persistent food insecurity and malnutrition, population movements, natural disasters and climate change, a strained economy and limited access to basic services. The closure of hundreds of health facilities and nutrition sites has resulted in millions of people having no access to primary health care and lifesaving treatment. It is projected that 3.5 million children will experience malnutrition by 2025. We therefore urge international donors and the humanitarian partners to scale up contributions.

We are dismayed by the reports of violence against, and detention of humanitarian workers, including 13 UN personnel. We call on the Taliban to facilitate the unhindered and sustained access to humanitarian aid to all those in need across Afghanistan, and to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.

The A3+ remains deeply concerned that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan has not improved. They continue to bear the brunt of the Taliban’s multiple decrees as well as the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice Law (PVPV law) restricting their education, employment, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression.  We note UNAMA’S April 10 report on the impact, implementation and enforcement of the PVPV law which indicates an increase in restrictions on Afghan peoples’ personal and private spaces, as well as women and girls’ access to public space and health care.

Regrettably, 2025 marks the fourth consecutive year in which girls and women of Afghanistan have been denied access to education beyond grade 6. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls and women are systematically barred from secondary and higher education. The A3+ reiterates its call on the Taliban to reopen all schools and universities and to swiftly reverse all laws, policies, and practices that discriminate against women and girls and infringe their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We emphasize that the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in all spheres of life is necessary for Afghanistan’s development and prosperity. The continued denial of the rights of women and girls by the Taliban is driving donor countries’ restrictions on development and technical assistance. Ensuring the well-being of the Afghan people must remain at the center of all efforts.

Colleagues,

The security situation in Afghanistan remains of deep concern with continued attacks by terrorist groups, including ISIL-K which is reported to have claimed responsibility for the attack in Kunduz City and on the premises of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing in Kabul.

We reiterate our call on the Taliban to scale up efforts to combat terrorism and urge countries in the region to intensify joint efforts to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan and the wider region. In that regard, we note the engagement with neighbouring countries.

We welcome UNAMA’s effort to develop a risk reduction framework for small arms and light weapons in order to address the threats from illicit arms flow in Afghanistan and the region.

We are alarmed that hundreds of children were killed and maimed as a result of unexploded ordnance in 2024. We note the significant reduction of Mine Action teams due to funding constraints and urge increased support for unexploded ordnance clearance and risk education.

Colleagues,

The A3+ reiterates that engagement between Afghanistan and the international community is crucial for its sustainable peace and stability and social and economic development. We note the upcoming meeting of two working groups on counter-narcotics and the private sector as part of confidence building measures, coming out of the Doha process.  

We also take note of the continued engagement of the UN Secretariat and UNAMA with Afghans and international stakeholders towards having a more coordinated and structured multilateral engagement between the international community and the Taliban. We emphasize that this engagement with Afghans must be grounded in inclusivity.

We call upon the Taliban to comply with Afghanistan’s international obligations for the wellbeing of all Afghans.

In conclusion, the A3+reaffirms its full support for UNAMA and SRSG Otunbayeva. 

I thank you.