YouSaid · the spoken record

Faiq

lines on the record: 151
first: 2022-01-26
most recent: 2023-12-20
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The Afghan people deserve no less, and we, as a community of nations, must deliver no less. Our goal must be to support the establishment of an Afghan-led and -owned political process that upholds human rights, fosters inclusive and representative governance and ensures Afghanistan’s integration into the international community in a manner that is consistent with international norms and values. The Afghan people have suffered enough. It is time for the international community to stand in solidarity with them and work towards a future that offers hope, dignity and prosperity.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Before concluding, I express my gratitude to the Security Council for unanimously renewing the mandate of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1988 Committee for another year. We anticipate that this renewal will contribute to reinforcing the effective implementation of sanctions regime, enhancing monitoring and reporting on the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and the region. In conclusion, let us reaffirm our resolve to not merely witness the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan, but to actively participate in the creation of a just, inclusive and representative future where every Afghan child can aspire to education, where women participate as equals in society and where the basic tenets of freedom and human dignity are upheld.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“The onus is now on the Taliban to prioritize Afghanistan’s national interests by resolving the political impasse and respecting the legitimate concerns and demands of the Afghan people and the international community. Let me echo the Secretary-General’s appeal to reconsider and halt the forced return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of the countries of the region, particularly Pakistan and Iran, for graciously hosting Afghan refugees, and ask for a compassionate and sustainable solution, with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and international community, that prioritizes the safety, well-being and dignity of Afghan refugees.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“The Taliban’s refusal to engage in dialogue and their warped interpretation of inclusivity are both unfounded and false. True inclusivity requires the Afghan people to shape their future through negotiations involving credible representatives from all segments of society, including marginalized women, youth, democratic forces, people in the military sector, career diplomats, civil society and human rights activists, as well as people free from corruption, reputable public figures and professionals. It is crucial to establish a responsible, representative and legitimate system of Government based on the rule of law, justice and accountability.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“We recommend that their comments be attentively heard and thoughtfully considered in the subsequent steps of implementing the report, in recognition of the valuable perspectives of women and society representatives. I would like to remind the Council and the international community about increasing calls by the Afghan people to reject any form of normalization with a Taliban regime that fails to respect human rights and international norms and to remain focused on finding a solution that results in the formation of a truly inclusive, broad-based and legitimate Administration that is able to reflect the will and national aspirations of the people of Afghanistan. The path forward should be shaped by the voices of all Afghans, reflecting the country’s rich diversity and the shared desire for peace and prosperity.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“No compromises should be made concerning their fundamental rights, freedoms and involvement in relevant mechanisms and processes. I also wish to emphasize the importance of maintaining the conditionality of recommendations and a clear and benchmarked implementation process. Otherwise, serious and existing concerns about the prospects of further relaxation and normalization efforts with the Taliban, without observable changes or reversals in their policies and actions, will not only remain, but grow stronger. Those concerns have been expressed in open letters by representatives of diverse Afghans, including women activists and civil society groups.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“It is crucial to underscore the need for the Council and all relevant partners to agree on an action plan with a defined timetable and specific conditions for implementing the report’s recommendations and subsequent steps, including by appointing a special coordinator, as recommended in the report. That ensures that all parties, including the people of Afghanistan, are well-informed about the results of a structured, coherent and principled international engagement. A clear understanding of the outcome and commitments from all sides is essential for fostering transparency and accountability. It is crucial to ensure the active and meaningful participation and contribution of Afghan women and girls in all discussions related to the implementation of the assessment report.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“It can serve as a solid foundation and a guiding document for initiating discussions to address existing problems and fundamental challenges. Furthermore, the report’s key recommendations offer a path for progress and ensuring a positive trajectory for the way forward. We welcome the very core message of the assessment report on the fact that the status quo is neither acceptable nor sustainable, and that the current international approach to Afghanistan is not working. We further welcome the report’s specific emphasis on restoring the fundamental rights of all citizens, particularly women and girls, and their active participation across all fields, as well as on the necessity of establishing inclusive and broad-based governance through a national dialogue grounded in a constitutional order and comprehensive structure.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“In that context, let me thank the members of the Council for adopting resolution 2679 (2023) and the Secretary-General and his Special Coordinator for presenting the independent assessment report (S/2023/856, annex) to the Council. The findings of the independent assessment report are commendable in their objectivity and depth, shed light on some of the challenges our nation faces and serve as a critical reminder of the responsibilities shouldered by the international community, including the Council, towards Afghanistan. While the report falls short of adequately recognizing the Taliban as the primary actor in the current crisis, their repressive policies, human rights violations and certain aspects of the current situation in Afghanistan, we in general appreciate this timely and much-needed report.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Unfortunately, it is due to the Taliban’s policies and the humanitarian crisis that the human capital of Afghanistan, including youth, educated and professional individuals, former civil servants and military personnel, are either unemployed or forced to leave the country. It is evident that the current circumstances are primarily a result of the Taliban’s persistent repressive policies related to their disregard for the demands of the Afghan people, the political impasse and the absence of a legitimate national Government. That is coupled with a lack of a coherent and coordinated strategy by the international community to address the current tragic situation in Afghanistan. The key question is, what should we do and what can the international community do?”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, the decline in humanitarian aid, in addition to natural disasters, forced migrant returns, unemployment and poverty contribute to the prevailing uncertainty about the future. It is crucial to recognize that the Taliban have not only failed to address those challenges but have also exacerbated them. Since their forced takeover, there has been a systematic erosion of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, leading to gender apartheid. That not only violates human rights but also directly contradicts Afghanistan’s obligations under international law, including to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“A staggering 29 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, and the fundamental rights of women and girls, such as the right to work and access to education, are systematically denied. Female employees of non-governmental organizations and the United Nations face restrictions on their ability to work, while female protesters are subjected to daily detention and torture. In addition, targeted killings of Shia scholars and our fellow Hazara compatriots persist, along with extrajudicial killings of former security and defence forces. The growing presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan pose escalating and wide-ranging security threats to the country, the region and the wider world.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“I also extend our appreciation to all donors, the United Nations system and national and international non-governmental organizations for remaining engaged and continuing to provide vital humanitarian and life-saving support to the people of Afghanistan. Moreover, I would like to commend the United Arab Emirates for its role as co-penholder on the Afghanistan file, as well as all other outgoing members of the Council, for their support to the people of Afghanistan. Their commitment to peace and security, support for stability in Afghanistan and advocacy for human rights, especially for women and girls, deserves our utmost appreciation. As Afghanistan enters its third year under the Taliban’s repressive and unilateral rule, the country remains confronted with myriad complex challenges and uncertainty.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, and I commend you for your excellent leadership of the Security Council this month. I thank Ms. Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General; Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; Ambassador José De La Gasca, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011); and Ms. Shaharzad Akbar for their comprehensive and insightful briefings today. I thank the previous speakers for reaffirming their commitments to continue supporting the fundamental human rights of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls, and for their ongoing efforts to help bring about real peace based the will of the people, in a stable, secure and united Afghanistan.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“I just wanted to respond to the remarks made by the citizen and representative of Pakistan, that I am representing Afghanistan in the Council and voicing the anguish and the misery of the people of Afghanistan, who have suffered as a result of the interference of countries that today practice a double standard. On the one hand, they present themselves as victims of terrorism, and on the other hand, they lobby, normalize and support another terrorist group in Afghanistan.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“By prioritizing security, human rights, legitimate and democratic governance and regional cooperation, it is possible to forge a path towards a more stable, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan. Through principled engagement and a legitimate political structure that is aligned with the people’s aspirations, we can help shape a better future for the Afghan people and prevent the country from once again becoming a breeding ground for extremism and terrorism. It is crucial for the international community to act swiftly and decisively in order to prevent further suffering and to lay the foundations for real and sustainable peace in Afghanistan.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The international community must play a more prominent role in helping Afghanistan achieve a legitimate Government based on the people’s will. Seventh and lastly, the need for a coherent and united international approach is essential. It requires inclusive dialogue and principled engagement, backed by the international community and facilitated by the United Nations, in order to establish a political road map towards an inclusive and representative governance system that is aligned with the will of the people of Afghanistan. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the situation in Afghanistan calls for urgent and concerted efforts by the international community.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Fourth, they urgently seek the priority attention of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with respect to the protection and resettlement of Afghan refugees who fled Taliban persecution to neighbouring regions, especially women and children facing detention and inhumane treatment. Those refugees, including women’s rights defenders, former officials and security personnel, are in jeopardy, necessitating the swift provision of resettlement support. Fifth, they support the imposition of sanctions on Taliban leaders for violating women’s rights, and they oppose normalizing engagement with them until they respect the rights and will of the people of Afghanistan. Sixth, dialogue with the Taliban alone has proven futile.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“That may involve strengthening targeted humanitarian aid and supporting small-scale projects aimed at saving livelihoods and developing entrepreneurship, particularly for women, which remain crucial. That includes serious consideration for merit-based inclusivity and diversity in the employment opportunities for locally hired staff of the United Nations and other international organizations. Third, they have called for robust support to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in social, economic and political domains, including decision-making roles.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“On 16 September, our Mission hosted a Zoom meeting with 85 representatives of the Afghan diaspora, independent Afghan political figures, human rights and women’s rights activists and leaders of progressive and democratic parties and associations, both inside and outside Afghanistan. I would like to convey their essential messages and demands. First, they urge international partners and the Council to maintain pressure on the Taliban, demanding the reversal of anti-women policies, including education and work bans. They also call on the United Nations to recognize and classify the plight of Afghan women and girls as gender apartheid. Second, they emphasize the importance of ongoing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, subject to the rigorous monitoring and supervision of aid delivery.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“However, their promises of increased revenue collection have not resulted in tangible improvements for ordinary Afghans. Furthermore, transparency and accountability in the allocation of budgets are still lacking. Similarly, the Taliban’s assertions of counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics efforts ring hollow, as their leaders are deeply involved in narcotics production and smuggling. While dissent within the Taliban focuses on the distribution of power and resources, the Afghan people continue to suffer under their despotic rule. Despite those challenges, the people of Afghanistan remain resolute, with diverse groups working tirelessly to defend their rights and national values. Civil society, women, young people and political movements have mobilized to form a united national agenda.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The Taliban’s connections to terrorist groups and their sheltering of more than 20 such groups, including Al-Qaida and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, have transformed Afghanistan into a hub of terrorism, endangering Afghan lives. Their extremist ideology and history of violence have created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity, eroding trust in regional and international security efforts. Afghan civilians have endured the scourge of terrorism for too long. The Taliban, who have been the primary source of instability and insecurity in Afghanistan for the past two decades through their targeting of innocent civilians and destruction of public institutions and infrastructure, are now claiming credit for ensuring security and stability in the country.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Despite two years of global engagement, the Taliban have continued to obstinately reject demands, justifying their actions with distorted religious and cultural interpretations. Their exclusionary policies rejecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law are exacerbating the crisis. Despite the claims that the return of former officials through the Commission for Return and Communication with Former Afghan Officers and Political Figures is being encouraged, credible reports suggest that members of the former security forces who trusted the call and returned from neighbouring countries have been killed. Even the former leaders who chose to stay are now subject to strict restrictions and house arrest. The security situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan is deeply concerning.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The UNAMA report issued on 22 August documents more than 800 cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture and enforced disappearances involving individuals associated in one form or another with the former Afghan Government and its security forces. In a report released on 20 September, UNAMA records more than 1,600 incidents of human rights violations by the Taliban during arrests and detentions, including acts of torture and other inhumane treatment by the Taliban’s Ministry of the Interior and General Directorate of Intelligence. The ban on political parties has solidified the Taliban’s autocratic power, extinguishing political diversity and inclusive decision-making. That isolation is fuelling turmoil and undermining the prospects for peace.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, 15,000 madrasas have been established and 100,000 madrasa teachers recruited just recently. It is our duty to liberate Afghanistan from the shackles of gender apartheid, radicalization and extremism to enable our women, girls and young people to contribute to our society’s growth and prosperity. The Taliban’s grave human rights abuses, brutal punishment and suppression of the media and civil society have made crimes against humanity and violations of international law commonplace. The reports from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Amnesty International and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan paint a grim picture.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We also applaud the statements and commitments in support of the people of Afghanistan, including women and girls, and the calls on the Taliban to respect the fundamental human rights of the Afghan people and to espouse inclusivity made by several speakers during the general debate, statements that reflect a new degree of concern within the region and beyond about the current state of affairs. We must remember that a nation’s strength lies in empowering all its citizens, regardless of gender. However, the Taliban’s rigid ideology refuses to embrace the benefits of modern science and technology. Its focus has been rather on intensifying the establishment of madrasas and religious schools, deliberately radicalizing young Afghans and compromising their future and that of our nation.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“As we have stressed time and again, that issue remains vital to achieving a comprehensive settlement that leads to the legitimate and inclusive governance that can ensure national unity and political stability. And that should be a priority for the international community in its efforts concerning Afghanistan. We echo the call for convening a special session of the General Assembly to address gender apartheid in Afghanistan, which was reiterated by the Afghan women representatives during last week’s discussions.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The holding of the United Nations meeting in Doha in May, the appointment of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Afghanistan and the recent high- level meeting in support of women and girls last week during the general debate of the General Assembly are welcome developments that the people of Afghanistan recognize and value. That said, the focus and measures involved need to be sustained and strengthened as we advance in order to overcome the crisis in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan welcome the statement endorsed by 13 Foreign Ministers that strongly condemned the Taliban’s gender-based persecution and called for an immediate halt to human rights violations. It also emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process involving all Afghans, including women and ethnic and religious minorities.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Our hard-won rights and freedoms, particularly for women and girls, are gravely threatened, with reports of gender-based violence, forced marriages and sexual abuse, all perpetrated with impunity. Afghan women and girls are enduring gender apartheid and being stripped of their fundamental rights and economic opportunities, rendering them vulnerable. The closures of girls’ schools and the restrictions on women’s employment are not only obstacles to gender equality but pose a serious challenge to Afghanistan’s development and the future of the nation. Since the onset of the crisis, and increasingly over the past year, the people of Afghanistan have looked to the international community to form the consensus we need to help overcome the crisis in our country.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Economic and humanitarian crises have deepened, 97 per cent of the population are now living in poverty and two thirds of them are struggling for basic survival. Hunger has affected 15 million people, unemployment has increased and migration continues despite the grave risks. Under Taliban rule, social conditions in Afghanistan continue to regress significantly. The rights and freedoms of women and marginalized communities have been severely curtailed. Women and girls face strict limitations on their mobility, access to education and participation in public life. Cultural and artistic expression are being suppressed, stifling Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. The people live in constant fear of retribution for any perceived violations of the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We appreciate the remarks of Security Council members and the joint statement issued ahead of the meeting by members of the Council, reaffirming their commitments to continue supporting the fundamental human rights of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls, as well as efforts to bring about real peace in a stable, secure and united Afghanistan. We also want to thank all Member States, donors, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations and all other actors that provide vital humanitarian support in perhaps what is the most difficult period in the history of our nation. Tragically, two years after the Taliban seized control, the situation in Afghanistan has not improved. It has only deteriorated across the humanitarian, human rights, social, security and political spheres.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s important discussion on Afghanistan’s dire situation, and I commend your leadership of the Security Council this month. I am also thankful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Roza Otunbayeva, the Executive Director of UN-Women, Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, and Ms. Karima Bennoune for their briefings. They underscored the grim, dire and deeply concerning situation in Afghanistan, which warrants urgent attention and action to overcome the current crisis.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“I would like to conclude by emphasizing that the current situation in Afghanistan and its security challenges and threats are of great concern for the people of Afghanistan and the international community. Failing to address them will have grave implications for the country, the region and the international community at large. We therefore hope to see the international community, and the Security Council in particular, act with unity and consensus to prevent Afghanistan from turning into a terrorist hub and to ensure a comprehensive settlement that leads to the formation of a broad-based legitimate political structure and system that reflects the people’s aspirations and enjoys their support, so that we can achieve long-term and sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the country.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“While focusing on those and other issues is important, the political component of the dilemma should not be neglected. It would be most preferable if the international community could unite in creating an environment that is conducive to the start of negotiations. Yesterday we marked World Refugee Day, which was an occasion to reflect on the plight of millions of refugees around the world and to honour their strength and resilience to overcome challenges and difficulties. We wish to take the opportunity to call on the international community, especially host countries, to provide Afghan refugees with the support they need and to ensure their protection, safety and well-being, especially now, at a time where they are seeking refuge abroad from difficulty and persecution in their country.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“It is therefore now time for the international community to begin structured engagement with democratic political forces and help find a concrete solution to the crisis. The democratic political forces should be given the platform and opportunity needed to help improve and eventually stabilize the situation, based on the will of the people. Additionally, and most importantly, international efforts from now on should prioritize the start of a political process towards a political settlement through national dialogue. The crisis in Afghanistan is primarily political in nature, and that requires a political solution. So far, much of the international community’s attention has been centred on human rights issues and the humanitarian situation.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The decision to undertake an assessment and the recent United Nations meeting on Afghanistan, hosted by the Secretary-General and with the participation of a broad group of special representatives from many countries, including from within the region, have raised hopes about a growing international consensus on Afghanistan. We hope to see this momentum build and grow stronger as we move forward. We believe that ensuring participation by representatives of the people of Afghanistan in the follow-up to the Doha meeting and the adoption of a related road map aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement through national dialogue are both vital for progress towards peace and stability in Afghanistan. Moreover, time and experience has proven that dialogue and engagement — primarily with the Taliban alone — has not yielded results.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“However, I cannot stress how important it is for the international community to play a larger role in helping us overcome this crisis. A legitimate Government based on the will of people is the need of the hour. In the light of the current situation, we are of the belief that the international community should adopt a new, coherent and united approach towards Afghanistan and principled engagement. In this regard, we welcome the decision of the Security Council to conduct an independent assessment aimed at ensuring greater coordination and a more integrated international approach and effort towards stability in Afghanistan. We look forward to the outcome of the assessment, which will be presented in November.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“We know that bringing peace to our country is a responsibility that primarily belongs to us, the people of Afghanistan. Over the past two years, Afghans from all walks of life and age groups inside and outside Afghanistan are tirelessly working and raising their voices in defence of their rights, hard-earned achievements of the past two decades and national values. In the past year, civil society, women and youth groups and political movements and parties have mobilized and begun organized political activity. While various groups present diverse views on a solution, the main objective is to come together with a national agenda based on national unity. This effort will not only continue, but it will also grow stronger in time.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Despite some speculation about discord or disagreement within the Taliban, the majority of the Taliban share the same extremist ideology on human rights and women’s rights. In fact, there is no plan to break the current national and international impasse and take Afghanistan out of isolation. The Taliban are content with taking advantage of the status quo and continuing to utilize the funds and national resources for their personal benefit, without taking into account the interests of the people. The reality is that all dissent and disagreement is over the division of power and resources. The people of Afghanistan are paying a heavy price for the imposed and forced rule by an autocratic and extremist group. Despite the difficult situation, the people of Afghanistan are determined to overcome the crisis and achieve a point of stability.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The Taliban are not representative of any particular ethnic group in Afghanistan, nor are they representative of the true Islamic values and cultural traditions of Afghanistan. However, their discriminatory policies based on their extremist ideology will result in increased societal and internal tensions and further complicate and deepen the crisis in the country. The Taliban claims of counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics are a paradox and a self-contradiction. The Taliban’s senior leaders are involved in narcotics and the production and smuggling of drugs, including opium, heroin and methamphetamines, which have become a significant part of Afghanistan’s illicit export under the Taliban.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The Taliban’s association with terror groups is not a concern for Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries only, but for the international community as well. It is vital to ensure — at the regional and international levels — a comprehensive, unified and coherent counter-terrorism strategy, with zero tolerance for all terrorist groups, without distinction or preferential short-term approaches. There are no good or bad terrorists. The people of Afghanistan have always been the prime victim of terrorism, which is the antithesis of human rights, independence and development. Politically, the Taliban shut the doors for inclusivity, engagement or dialogue with the people of Afghanistan. The Monitoring Team report states how the Taliban reverted to the exclusionary and autocratic policies of the 1990s.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The Taliban have broken their promises of trying to be more inclusive, break ties with terrorist groups, respect universal human rights and take measures that prevent Afghanistan from posing a security threat to other countries. As confirmed in the recent Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team report (see S/2023/370), the Taliban continue to maintain links to Al-Qaida, in addition to nearly 20 other terrorist entities. The presence of foreign terrorist fighters and the harbouring and relocation of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan to northern provinces of Afghanistan are extremely alarming. Any forced evictions or attempts to effect demographic changes based on ethnicity or religion will trigger deep hostility and conflict in the country.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Many of those concerns were validated once again at the meeting two days ago of the Human Rights Council, on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. The Special Rapporteur, Afghan women activists, member States and other participants spoke in detail about the grave, systematic and ongoing human rights violations in the country. We thank Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett for highlighting what he rightfully referred to as the suffocating plight of Afghan women and girls resulting from the Taliban’s actions and policies, as well as other human rights violations against broader segments of society. At the same time, we hope to see new and decisive measures by the international community in order to ensure accountability for the grave human rights violations.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“As per a recently released Amnesty International report, the Taliban have directed collective punishment, particularly upon communities where they have established and deployed their forces. They have retaliated against captured fighters and targeted the civilian population to force submission and compliance, especially those suspected of being associated with the former Government. The list of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Taliban is long — torture, extrajudicial executions, hostage-taking, the intentional burning of civilian homes, forced evictions and arbitrary deprivation of liberty. However, beyond each individual act designed to instil fear, this conduct, in sum, constitutes collective punishment, which in itself is a war crime.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The people of Afghanistan look to the international community to adopt a united and coherent approach to respond to the increasing erosion of human rights, ongoing arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and the torture of former Government officials and security forces, human rights activists, journalists and protesters, as well as civilians, with the pretext of them having links to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant — constituting violations of the Taliban’s amnesty decree and crimes against humanity. Further, corporal punishments were carried out, often in public, constituting torture and ill-treatment under international law, in concert with a broader stifling of media and civil society.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Nearly two decades after women regained their rights, women and girls in Afghanistan have again been banned from receiving a quality education and from entering amusement parks, gyms and sports clubs. Women have been banned from working in NGO offices. They quite literally have been wholly excluded from public office and the judiciary. Today Afghanistan’s women and girls face a gender apartheid and gender persecution. They are required to adhere to a strict dress code and are not permitted to travel more than 75 kilometres without a male guardian. The Taliban are systemically violating the rights of women and young girls. Their practices are regressing with time, and they are resorting to using draconian, cruel and inhumane practices.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The economic and humanitarian situation has worsened, with the majority of the population deprived of their basic needs and humanitarian assistance. Ninety-seven per cent of the population lives in poverty, with two thirds needing humanitarian assistance just to survive. Twenty million people face acute hunger. Unemployment is rising and the influx of migration continues despite numerous ongoing challenges, hardships and risks, such as drowning, being persecuted, arrested or deported. Despite the Taliban’s claims of increased national revenue collection from taxation, customs and fees, there is no change in the lives of ordinary people and no accountability and transparency on the utilization and expenditure of the national budget and domestic revenue. The people of Afghanistan and the international community share a common anguish.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“However, not only have the Taliban not met those demands, but they are in complete denial, trying to justify their actions under the guise of a distorted and self-interpreted version of religion and culture. On the international stage, they have resorted to a policy of blackmail and extortion with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Nationally, they have returned to the draconian policies of the 1990s, consolidating their power and authority through acts of intimidation and repression, as well as imposing restrictions and isolating the people of Afghanistan. Two years on, the situation in Afghanistan has not improved by any measure. What we are seeing is a worsening of the situation from a humanitarian, human rights, security and political standpoint.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“We also thank Member States, donors, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations and all actors for their continued life-saving support, especially in response to the humanitarian crisis. We are nearing the two-year mark since the Taliban came to power, and there is not the slightest ray of hope for a positive future for the people of Afghanistan, including the 28 million who are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Among them are millions of Afghan refugees, internally displaced persons, disabled people, young people and women and girls, who comprise half of Afghanistan’s population. In the past two years, the international community has collectively engaged with the Taliban in dialogue and discussion, hoping for a positive response to the shared demands of the people of Afghanistan and the international community.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for convening us today and for your able leadership. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Otunbayeva for her briefing and Ms. Shabana Basij-Rasikh for her touching and very inspiring remarks. She is an icon and a symbol of inspiration, resilience and valour for the millions of Afghan women who are facing dark forces in Afghanistan. We appreciate the remarks of Council members reaffirming their commitment to continuing to support the fundamental human rights of the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls, and we thank them for their efforts to ensure peace, stability and security in Afghanistan.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source