Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on 'The situation in Afghanistan'

President,

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

The A3+ thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, Mrs. Roza Otunbayeva for her briefing. We have also listened carefully to the statement by Ms. Azadah Raz Mohammad and acknowledge the participation of the representatives of Afghanistan and regional countries in this meeting.

The recent report of the Secretary General on the situation in Afghanistan indicates the continued challenges faced by the Afghan people on multiple fronts. 

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.

The humanitarian situation is particularly concerning with 22.9 million people requiring assistance in 2025 due to high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, recurring natural hazards and climatic shocks, internal displacements, the growing number of returnees, a fragile economy, and ongoing restrictions on the Afghan people, particularly women and girls. 

We are concerned that, despite slight improvements in food security during the reporting period, more than 92,000 children under the age of five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. We commend the efforts of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in providing food, nutrition, and livelihood assistance, as well as other support, to those in need. 

We call for unhindered and sustained humanitarian access across the country and encourage international donors and humanitarian partners to continue providing critical support, and to scale up contributions, acknowledging the impact of significant funding shortfalls. 

President,
The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan remains of utmost concern, as they continue to bear the brunt of the Taliban’s numerous decrees, as well as the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Law, which restrict their education, employment, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression. We note with concern that, in December 2024, the Taliban re-issued Decree 4293, reaffirming the ban on Afghan women working for national and international non-governmental organizations, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. 

We have also noted the Secretary General’s report that the implementation of the PVPV Law is negatively impacting both men and women, with particular impact on women’s gainful employment, and that it resulted in significant reduction or total loss of income and employment opportunities for many families, exacerbating poverty levels. 

We reiterate our call for 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. 

Furthermore, the ban in December on women attending medical education courses in areas such as midwifery, nursing, dental care and nutrition is further affecting women’s and girls’ access to healthcare, including maternal and neonatal care, and will reduce the already insufficient number of female health workers in Afghanistan.

The A3+ emphasizes that the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in all spheres of life is necessary for Afghanistan’s development and prosperity.

President,
The security situation in Afghanistan remains of great concern especially with the presence of terrorist groups in the country. Seven terrorist attacks claimed by ISIL-K resulted in several casualties. We 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.

While we welcome the report that opium production remained low for the second consecutive year, we are concerned about the 19 percent increase in cultivation compared to 2023. This underscores the need for viable alternative livelihoods. We are also concerned by the November 2024 report of UNODC and UNDP on substance use treatment in Afghanistan, which found that opiates remain the leading cause of treatment admissions, with rising demand for stimulant-related services, particularly methamphetamine. 

We appreciate UNAMA’s convening of virtual meetings of the Working Groups on supporting Afghanistan’s private sector and counter-narcotics efforts in February. These discussions play a crucial role in improving the country’s economic situation and addressing drug-related challenges. 

We note the ongoing cooperation between Afghanistan and regional countries in various fields, including trade, agriculture, water and energy, among others and welcome UNAMA’s efforts to facilitate regional cooperation. 

We note with appreciation the recent adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution establishing the United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.   

President,
The A3+ reiterates our belief that engagement between the international community and Afghanistan is crucial for the country’s social and economic development, as well as for sustainable peace and stability.  We call upon the Taliban to comply with Afghanistan’s international obligations for the well-being of the Afghan people. 

In conclusion, President, we express our full support for UNAMA and SRSG Otunbayeva, as well as for the renewal of UNAMA's mandate and emphasize the continued crucial role of the United Nations in delivering humanitarian support and advancing the political process for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan.

I thank you.