YouSaid · the spoken record

Haysom

lines on the record: 332
first: 2014-12-18
most recent: 2023-12-14
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“Ultimately, deeper collaboration on the full range of political, economic and social issues will promote regional stability and prosperity. The intensification of the conflict was predicted. There has been higher attrition on both sides, but the most tragic index of this intensification is the toll on civilians - so far this year 4,216 civilians have been killed or injured. Just two days ago, 16 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed when a bus hit an improvised explosive device. Sadly it was not an isolated incident, but rather a typical event. Such incidents take a terrible emotional, economic and social toll on families, especially surviving widows, often left in the most appalling economic circumstances. Many other Afghans continue to be affected by the conflict, including those who have been displaced.”
2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source
“Foreign fighters from Afghanistan's northern neighbours and elsewhere present a particular challenge. There also remains considerable concern that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, referred to in Afghanistan as "Daesh", is seeking to establish a foothold. Addressing that shared threat demands greater regional involvement and collaboration. It seems inequitable that Afghanistan should be shouldering the burden of taking on terrorists whose points of origin and eventual destinations are its neighbours. The determined outreach from Afghanistan to its neighbours is encouraging. Stronger relations between the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are particularly noteworthy, with growing recognition of shared interests.”
2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source
“Afghanistan is meeting its security challenges, but is nonetheless being increasingly tested. The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have been undeniably stretched as they take on full security responsibilities. We have seen an intensification of conflict across the country, including in areas previously considered to be safe. Only yesterday, there were fresh challenges to Government security control in an area close to the strategically important Kunduz City. Today, there was a failed attack on Parliament as it was about to review the nomination for Minister of Defence. While the ANSF face operational challenges, their commitment is beyond question, and they are demonstrating continued resilience in the face of insurgent efforts to take and hold ground.”
2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source
“It is absolutely clear that Afghanistan continues to need the support of the international community and the sustained attention of the Council. The economic contraction that followed the withdrawal of international military forces presents a continuing challenge to the Government to meet the fiscal gap - that is, the gap between the resources it can muster and the monies it must spend. Afghanistan is meeting and exceeding admittedly modest revenue targets. Nevertheless, Afghanistan is struggling to harness the resources to meet its governance commitments and its development priorities. At this time of continued low economic growth, we must also guard against the danger of an increasing shift into the illicit economy, particularly so in the case ofburgeoning narcotics production.”
2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source
“Mr. Haysom: I thank you for this opportunity to share the perspectives of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on recent developments in Afghanistan. Since my most recent briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.7403), there has been progress in meeting Afghanistan's challenges in three distinct but interrelated areas: the economic, security and political areas. Although such progress itself has been modest, this should not be undervalued. It needs to be stressed that Afghanistan continues to be tested in meeting its benchmarks in all three areas. There is no room for complacency. Failure in any one of these areas would have consequences for the overall success of the Afghan transition.”
2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source
“Noting the continuation of the Mission's core mandate, UNAMA will maintain its efforts, in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, to provide good offices, promote human rights and promote coherent support by the international community for the priorities set by the Government of Afghanistan. We stand ready to participate fully in the role of UNAMA, donors and the international community as Afghanistan enters the decade of transformation. In less than a week, Afghans will celebrate Nowrooz, the day that in the region marks the beginning of the new year and that is widely recognized as an occasion signifying hope and renewal. I therefore take this opportunity to wish my colleague Ambassador Tanin and all Afghans a peaceful 1395. It is my most sincere hope that this will be the year that brings tangible progress towards peace.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“They are now in a position to conduct large-scale operations without direct combat assistance from international military forces. That development is encouraging, even though we expect to see an intensification of combat in the upcoming fighting season as insurgents seek to test the ANSF capacity to hold ground on its own. Recent reports have indicated that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has established a foothold in Afghanistan. It is UNAMA's assessment that the group's presence is of concern but that ISIL's significance is not so much a function of its intrinsic capacities in the area or the region, but of its potential to offer an alternative flagpole around which otherwise isolated insurgent splinter groups can rally.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“The report found that one third of all detainees interviewed were ill-treated or tortured. Although that shows a decrease from the 49 per cent in incidence of torture during the previous reporting period, more remains to be done to prevent torture, which is still pervasive and systemic. We welcome the new Administration's immediate commitment to end those practices, including its announcement to bring forward a national plan on the elimination of torture. UNAMA calls on the Government to send a clear message of zero tolerance for those practices by prosecuting perpetrators, and thereby putting an end to impunity. Recent military operations in Helmand and Kunar provinces are a demonstration that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have improved their planning and operational capacity.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“UNAMA documented more than 10,000 civilian casualties in 2014 - the highest annual number of civilian casualties recorded since UNAMA began systematic monitoring, in 2009. The rise in civilian casualties resulted mainly from increased ground engagements in which Afghan forces and insurgents use indirect fire in and on Civilian populated areas. The parties to the conflict must understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility for them, uphold the values they claim to defend and make protecting civilians their priority. We need to see concrete steps towards a real reduction in civilian casualties in 2015. In late February, together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNAMA released its third report on torture and ill- treatment of conflict-related detainees in Government detention facilities.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“In that regard, we note the positive initiatives taken by the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent months. The state of the Afghan economy remains of significant concern. The Government's self-reliance agenda, presented at the London Conference in December, was rightly lauded for its Vision. It now needs to be implemented to allow for the Government to further mobilize its revenues, increase its capacity to deliver services and create employment opportunities. Although the rain and snowfall of the past weeks have alleviated some of the concerns that Afghanistan could be affected by a debilitating drought this summer, preventive measures need to be put in place to assist the most vulnerable. UNAMA has repeatedly stated its persistent concerns about the continued increase in civilian casualties.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“We strongly encourage Afghan authorities to clarify the electoral calendar, improve fraud-mitigation measures, enhance the sustainability of elections and engage the Afghan people in a transparent and consultative manner. In the past months, I have undertaken a number of visits to Afghanistan's neighbouring countries and met with senior officials, inter alia from Iran, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. I am pleased to report that, in each of those meetings, many interlocutors recognized the importance of enhancing regional collaboration. They affirmed their readiness to play a constructive role in Afghanistan and appreciated that stability and economic cooperation were ultimately a matter of mutual self-interest. In addition, a proper intra-Afghan peace dialogue will require strong regional backing, in full respect ofAfghanistan's sovereignty.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“I can also confirm that UNAMA continues a frank dialogue with the Taliban on humanitarian access and on human rights, notably on the protection of civilians. In that regard, the Mission notes that, as a result, access for immunization teams in Helmand province has been restored. An integral component of the political agreement that led to the formation of the national unity Government is the pledge made to establish an electoral reform commission. Comprehensive electoral reforms will be essential to restoring the faith of the Afghan people in the democratic process and in strengthening political stability. UNAMA therefore welcomes President Ghani's renewed commitment to establish the Commission shortly.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“However, the parties need to be given sufficient space to build a level of trust that will allow them to establish common ground, to come to the realization that peace is the only viable option for Afghanistan and that a military victory is neither likely nor optimal for a lasting national social compact. Peace processes are fragile and vulnerable to external destabilization. They require patient nurturing. International support should be coherent and coordinated. Sustainable peace will require that the process be inclusive and build upon the significant gains made by Afghanistan in the past decade. In close consultation with the Government, UNAMA will continue to engage all parties to this conflict in order to assist them find that common ground.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“In particular, the Mission highlights the need to appoint senior judicial officials to strengthen recent efforts to reinforce the rule of law and to fight against corruption. UNAMA continues to stress that a diverse and professional Administration with strong female representation will be necessary to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead. In past weeks, reports on possible peace talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban have been prevalent. It is UNAMA's assessment that there is currently an alignment of circumstances that could be conducive to fostering peace talks.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“In addition, the national unity Government has started to take shape, with the nomination and approval of a number of ministers. And Afghanistan and Pakistan have conducted an increasingly constructive dialogue focused on peace, trade and security. Those positive developments are a testament to the efforts of President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. Their collaborative leadership remains essential for any peace talks to progress, for comprehensive electoral reforms to take hold and for the implementation of the changes required to reinvigorate the economy. To that effect, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) once again urges political leaders to conclude the appointment process of senior Government officials.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“Mr. Haysom: Recent avalanches and floods across Afghanistan, which caused over 250 fatalities, serve to remind us that the country is not only subject to the cost of human conflict but is also vulnerable to the regular toll exacted by natural disasters. The United Nations offers its condolences to the affected families and commends the response of the Government and humanitarian rescue workers, who have worked in the harshest of conditions to assist survivors and re-establish basic services. As requested by the Government, the United Nations humanitarian system has provided emergency relief and stands ready to deliver further assistance for longer-term reconstruction. Since my previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7347), a number of significant developments have brought about renewed hope for an active peace process in Afghanistan.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“With the conclusion of the political and security transitions, the means and form of support will necessarily evolve and change - more specifically as the Council reconsiders the UNAMA mandate next year. What will not change, however, is the shared goal ofa peaceful, sovereign and increasingly prosperous Afghanistan.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“We note that the political agreement signed between the two parties provides for comprehensive electoral reform prior to the Wolesi Jirga and District Council elections envisaged for 2015. We strongly encourage the Government to use the opportunity offered by the reform process to engage the Afghan people in a transparent and consultative manner as a way to improve their confidence in electoral institutions. I would like to thank my predecessor, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jan Kubis, for his leadership of UNAMA during a most challenging period of transition. He has left a mission held in high regard by the Afghan population. For the past 13 years the international community has rendered unprecedented support - military, financial and political - to Afghanistan.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“It is too early to assess whether the surge is timed to coincide with the withdrawal of international military forces, or is the new normal. UNAMA itself is reassessing its security measures, but is not curtailing its activities. When they voted in such large numbers in the presidential and provincial elections, Afghans acted on their belief that elections would deliver a better future The ensuing political stalemate, however, has left many questioning the value of the democratic process It is therefore the responsibility of the Government to convince the Afghan electorate that duly adopted reforms will deliver less fraudulent elections. One ofthe first steps will be for the Government to bring certainty to the electoral calendar by announcing realistic dates for the holding of parliamentary and District Council elections.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“With the conclusion of the International Security Assistance Force mission, I would want to recognize the contribution of all contributing Member States and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of a peaceful and sovereign Afghanistan. The Government has now taken full responsibility for the security of the country. The Afghan National Security Forces are meeting the challenges of the insurgency with determination and courage, but at great cost. In that regard, the joint decision taken by NATO and the Government of Afghanistan to launch the Resolute Support Mission as of 1 January 2015, and resolution 2189 (2014) in support of the Mission, are vitally important. Sustained and predictable international security assistance is vital. The recent surge in security incidents is cause for concern.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“The increased targeting of marketplaces, deminers clearing unexploded ordnance, and various sporting and cultural events suggests a shift in approach by anti-Government elements. By way of example, the 23 November suicide attack on a large crowd watching a volleyball match in Paktika killed at least 53 civilians, including 21 children. As Afghan security forces assume the lead in protecting the civilian population, international forces must remain engaged with the Afghan National Security Forces in mitigating the devastating effects of conflict on civilians. I can report that UNAMA continues to engage with the Taliban on the critical issue of responsibility for and avoidance of civilian casualties.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“UNAMA stands ready to support Afghan- led and owned reconciliation and political processes, and will engage all parties in support of that, in full consultation with the Government. The necessity for a peaceful resolution to the conflict is underscored by the appalling human cost borne by ordinary Afghans. As of 30 November, UNAMA had recorded more civilian deaths and injuries this year more than in any other year since 2008. Civilian casualties increased 19 per cent overall from last year, with a figure of 33 per cent in respect of children. Those casualties resulted mostly from ground engagements between parties to the conflict, improvised explosive devices, and suicide and complex attacks carried out by anti-Government forces.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“President Ghani's visit to Pakistan, followed by an exchange of visits by senior officials to and from Kabul and Islamabad, has paved the way for a more productive and forward-looking dialogue, and may lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between the two countries. Stability and prosperity can simply not be achieved in the absence of a durable peace. Ultimately, the solution to the conflict in Afghanistan is political rather than military. President Ghani himself has made that clear, and has extended an invitation to those who oppose the Government to enter into an inter-Afghan dialogue to resolve the conflict. That commitment to direct dialogue between the Government and the armed opposition through an Afghan-led peace process is to be welcomed.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“We are confident that recent agreements with Azerbaijan, China, Pakistan and Turkey and an expanding regional energy and transportation network can lead to increased trade and cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours. That in turn will bolster employment and Government revenues, and ultimately lead to greater stability. Creating such opportunities is not charity; it is in the self-interest of all of Afghanistan's neighbours. The recent Beijing Declaration put on record the region's support for timely Afghan-led reconciliation. It is a recognition that the support of regional stakeholders is essential to any peace process. China's renewed engagement in that regard is to be welcomed.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“Those efforts will need to be combined with measures to diminish the corrosive social and political impact of the growing illicit economy and the narcotics trade. I leave further comments on that to the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Yury Fedotov. As evidenced by the President's recent regional engagements, the new Government recognizes the importance of strengthening relations with its neighbours. Afghanistan, by virtue of its geographical location, has an important role to play in the region's growth and stability. The country can serve as a potential land bridge between Central Asia and South Asia. UNAMA will advocate with Afghanistan's northern neighbours that their security concerns are best promoted through connectivity and trade with Afghanistan rather than by hardening their borders.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“The new Administration has pledged to make the legal, institutional and policy reforms needed to sustain hard-won gains made in regard to women's rights during the last 12 years. UNAMA will continue to emphasize that upholding and advancing women's rights is an essential step on the road to peace and development. To that effect, I welcome President Ghani's commitment to appointing a substantial number of women to senior positions in the Government. Initial steps taken by the Government to combat corruption must also be acknowledged. They have signalled the National Unity Government's will to put an end to impunity for those who have appropriated the nation's resources for themselves.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“Due to a further drop in revenue collection, the fiscal situation seems to be graver than that portrayed in policy discussions in London. The receipt of emergency donor support in November has helped the Government cover key expenses up until December. The fundamental problem, however, has not been resolved. Significant arrears will need to be carried into the next budget. That is not sustainable, and risks derailing the Government's development agenda and the country's path to stability. The international community needs to work with the Government of Afghanistan on concrete measures to implement the Government's reform agenda in time for the forthcoming post-London meeting of senior officials.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“The broad consensus was that it would need to deliver a clear pledge to critical reforms by the Government as well as a reaffirmation by the international community of its enduring commitment to Afghanistan. I am pleased to report that both those objectives were met. The Government's paper entitled "Realizing Self- Reliance Commitments to Reform and Renewed Partnership" sets forth a thoughtful, bold and much- needed programme of reforms. The paper's emphasis on public accountability, transparency and human rights mirrors many of the issues for which Afghan civil society has long advocated. To maintain the momentum created by the London Conference, the Afghan Government will need to take action to overcome its current budgetary difficulties.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah recognized that the moment called for statesmanship over gamesmanship. They themselves suggested that the choice they faced was to swim together or to sink separately. I would nonetheless now urge the political leaders to conclude the process for the appointment and approval of senior Government officials. A politically representative yet merit-based Cabinet can strengthen the population's confidence that the Government intends to deliver on its election promises. It will demonstrate the workability of the National Unity Government arrangements and signal that the new Government is ready to govern. Prior to the London Conference on Afghanistan, many in the international community asked themselves how its success would be measured.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“The political agreement was brokered following an unprecedented 100 per cent audit of a paper- based election. That difficult exercise, not without its flaws, was designed to be comprehensive, thorough, independent and transparent. Conducted in conformity with available international best practices, the process, however imperfect, was neither biased nor arbitrary and laid the foundation for the negotiations of the political agreement that followed. UNAMA remains convinced that there was no better way forward than a National Unity Government. The agreement between the two candidates ended a political crisis that would at best, if unresolved, have left the country divided and that could at worst have reignited past cycles of conflicts.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has been greatly encouraged by the peaceful political transition. While the electoral process was prolonged and challenging, the result is a leadership that is legitimate, freshly mandated and broadly supported. President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah are to be commended for their ongoing commitment to make the national unity arrangement work. In their stated commitment to the partnership they have created, they have indicated that the partnership is one of their own choosing and not an imposition. Their sense of common purpose and clear commitment to reform, to combat corruption and to promote sustainable economic growth has given rise to renewed hope and a palpable sense of expectation among the Afghan people.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“Mr. Haysom: On behalfofthe United Nations family in Afghanistan, I would like to begin by expressing my most sincere condolences to the people of Pakistan, who two days ago suffered a cruel national tragedy. An attack on school children is an attack that can never be justified. At the last Security Council briefing (see S/PV.7267), the results of the elections had yet to be announced and the country was in the midst of a protracted political crisis. I am pleased to report that significant progress has since been made. A political agreement has been signed, the winning candidates of the presidential and Provincial Council elections have been announced and the Government has committed to an ambitious programme of governance reforms.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source