STATEMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY CAROLYN RODRIGUES-BIRKETT, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON
Thank you, Madam President
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 USG Tom Fletcher and Deputy SRSG and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA, Georgette Gagnon, for their briefings. We also listened carefully to the statement by Ms. Yari.
The A3+ reiterates its firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Afghanistan and reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Afghan people.
Madam President
The Afghan people continue to face the combined effects of deepening poverty, erosion of their human rights, natural disasters, displacement and a dire humanitarian crisis compounded by shrinking external aid and the large-scale return of Afghans from neighbouring countries.
The Taliban’s non-compliance with Afghanistan’s international obligations, its failure to adopt an inclusive approach to governance, and persecution of women and girls, continue to be prevent meaningful progress towards Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community as envisioned by Security Council Resolution 2721 (2023).
As the country faces a dire humanitarian situation, the restrictions imposed on Afghan women working with UN and the strict enforcement since September 7 of them not accessing UN premises, is affecting delivery of life-saving assistance and basic services to the most vulnerable and has forced the UN to suspend some operations. The A3+ calls for constructive dialogue with all relevant actors to help create conditions that would allow humanitarian work to resume fully and effectively. We note UNAMA’s efforts in this regard. We also call on the international community to increase humanitarian and development assistance to support the well-being and dignity of Afghans.
In April 2023, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2681 condemning the decision of the Taliban to ban women from working for the United Nations in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to swiftly reverse all policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms including related to their access to education, employment, freedom of movement, and women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in public life. The A3+ reiterates this call.
Unfortunately, these restrictions have worsened in contravention and in contempt of the calls made by this Council.
Afghans women and girls continue to bear the brunt of the Taliban’s Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice Law (PVPV law), with reports of severe punishments for non-compliance, including arbitrary arrests and prolonged prison sentences.
They also continue to be denied access to education beyond grade six. Latest prohibitions include bans of the study of core science subjects and requirements for universities to remove books authored by women, regardless of content or the author’s nationality.
The continued suspension of women’s medical and health education programmes is causing shortages of skilled women health professionals and increased maternal mortality. The A3+ reiterates its call on the Taliban to reopen all schools and universities to women and girls.
We emphasize that the full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership of women in all spheres of life are integral to Afghan-led and Afghan-owned efforts towards Afghanistan’s development and prosperity.
Madam President,
The economic outlook for Afghanistan continues to be bleak despite increased exports and improved regional cooperation. Food insecurity remains acute and there is a 15% rise in malnourished women and children compared to the same period last year. 422 health facilities were forced to close during the past few months, affecting more than 3 million people in 30 provinces.
We note the World Bank’s October Economic Monitor report on the impact of exogenous shocks, including reduced humanitarian aid, climate-related disruptions, in particular earthquakes, and the influx of returnees – 2.4 million persons for this year as of November 15.
This has placed further strain on the country’s already limited resources and overstretched services.
The A3+ commends the sustained efforts and commitment of the UN agencies in this challenging context
We also emphasize the urgent need to address the dual threats of terrorism and drug trafficking. Combatting these scourges is paramount for stability and peace in Afghanistan and the region.
In that regard, the lack of economic opportunities in Afghanistan will leave many Afghans vulnerable, creating a breeding ground for recruitment and exploitation by terrorist groups. The A3+ remains concerned by reports indicating the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan territory, including the TTP and ISIL-K, which continue to pose threats in neighbouring countries and the wider region.
Madam President,
The 14.7 increase in security-related incidents compared to the same period in 2024 is also of concern, in particular, the recent border incidents which resulted in extensive civilian casualties. We welcome the ceasefire and call for continued negotiations towards peaceful coexistence. We commend the mediation efforts led by Qatar and Türkiye.
In closing, Madam President, the A3+ reaffirms its full support for UNAMA and for the Afghan people.
I thank you.
