YouSaid · the spoken record

Raz

lines on the record: 91
first: 2019-03-15
most recent: 2020-09-15
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“Afghans, again and again, have proven that despite security threats and being attacked by the Taliban, they will come out to vote and participate in the future of their country. Peace and elections have been equally important to the people of Afghanistan. My request to the Council and all our international partners and allies is to support the people of Afghanistan in their quest for democracy, as they have always done. This Chamber should also call on countries that could influence the Taliban to respect the aspirations of all Afghans and prevent them from being attacked on election day. Peace is another top priority for the Government of Afghanistan. President Ghani has laid the foundation of a clear path for a carefully calculated and responsible peace process with the Taliban through various initiatives over the past two years.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The elections further underscore Afghanistan's commitment to taking ownership of strengthening the rule of law and democracy since, for the first time, the Government has committed to covering a major part ofthe financial costs associated with the elections by allocating $90 million to the process. Despite all the security threats and challenges, the people of Afghanistan are determined to hold and participate in the elections. The casting of each ballot by a cross-section of our society will yet again signify our people's firm determination to work towards stability, democracy and prosperity. Afghanistan wants to move forward, not backward. We must respect the desire of the Afghan people and should not prejudge the credibility of the election or question or underestimate the turn out.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The Government will spare no effort to ensure the safety and security of the voters, and will put all the necessary measures in place in order to ensure the most efficient process. To that end, voting centres have been allocated countrywide and, for the first time, voter lists are available online, and biometric verification will be used alongside printed lists. Approximately 72,000 security force personnel have been assigned to ensure the safety of voters. Of those 72,000, almost 9,900 female security officers will be tasked with the security of women's voting centres.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Later this month, Afghans from all walks of life will exercise their constitutional rights by casting their vote to elect their president through a democratic process. They have eagerly anticipated this important national event as a measure to once again defy terror and extremism, determine their political destiny and secure the future of the country. The Afghan Government is approaching the election with a full and unprecedented commitment to ensure a transparent, free, credible and inclusive process, in accordance with the strong demand of our people. Preparations for the upcoming polls are moving ahead steadily, following the electoral timetable for the Independent Election Commission.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, and your delegation on assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of September. We thank you for holding today's meeting on the situation in Afghanistan. This meeting comes at a crucially important time as we prepare for our presidential election and continue to make efforts to achieve sustainable peace. IwouldalsoliketowelcomeAmbassadorYamamoto, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, here today and thank him for his comprehensive briefing on the overall current situation in Afghanistan. As we meet, my country is taking another historic step towards strengthening and further institutionalizing democracy.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“To conclude, I would like to quote one of the participants at the consultative peace jirga, who said that "no one wins in war as no one loses in peace." Therefore, securing tangible and durable peace that is acceptable to the people of Afghanistan is an imperative to make sure that our country will move forward, not backwards. Together with our friends and allies, we stand at an important crossroads where a collective and unified approach will enable us to achieve our strategic objectives of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I would like to sincerely thank Ambassador Pierce for her commitment to this cause. We look forward to benefiting from the Council's support for the group's activities. The new Afghanistan is also starting to emerge as catalyst for economic and regional cooperation. That is best demonstrated by the implementation of several mega-regional projects, under our Afghan-led Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan platform, which will yield economic dividends beyond our immediate region, and the Heart of Asia- Istanbul Process. Through increased trade, investment, infrastructure and development, we are moving in the direction of sustainable growth.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“This generation is increasingly taking charge of the country's future. The resilient role of Afghan women as agents of change, progress and transformation has been a fundamental part of that new dynamic. Women's contributions and leadership have reached new heights, as public servants across the Government and in the private sector. For the first time, the heads of the Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission are both women. To consolidate those gains, promote and protect the rights of women and incorporate women's voices in the peace and security agenda, we look forward to working with a broad set of partners through the group of friends of Women of Afghanistan here in New York, which we will soon launch in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We are fully aware that the task will not be an easy one. At the same time, we are confident in being able to fulfil it successfully, with support from the international community and our friends and allies. We have begun security and technical arrangements for the elections and are in discussions with our international partners on various aspects of the process. We welcome the appointment of the United Nations advisers who will serve as international commissioners in the Independent Election Commission to provide technical support. We will spare no effort whatsoever to ensure a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process to meet the demands of our people and our political stability. The gains of the past 18 years also include the emergence of a dynamic and committed young generation.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The emergence of a democratic political order through a democratic process chosen by the people of Afghanistan is among our most significant achievements over the past 18 years. When using the term "we," I am not referring solely to the people of Afghanistan, but rather I am speaking in the context of the collective efforts and sacrifices that all of us in the Council have made. Less than two months ago, President Ghani inaugurated our new Parliament in the presence of its members and representatives of the international community. Looking ahead, our people's approach to the future includes the expectation that nothing outside of the democratic order can determine our political destiny. Therefore, despite all the challenges, we will make sure to hold presidential elections in September of this year.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“A recent example is the ongoing fighting in the Baharak district in Takhar province, where the Taliban have used civilian houses as shields and have prevented people from even leaving their houses. Civilian protection remains a high priority at the highest levels of our Government. We have taken institutional measures to avoid collateral damage, which include close coordination with the international forces during security operations and accountability for incidents resulting from actions that deviate from standard rules of engagement. We continue to take concrete steps to ensure the physical protection and well-being of children, including preventing any recruitment of child soldiers in our security forces, through our revised penal code, which criminalizes such activities.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“That was achieved not only due to the professionalism and bravery of our forces but also in part due to the ongoing efforts to reform the security sector to make it more streamlined and effective. Meanwhile, facing defeat in the battlefield, the Taliban have sought to compensate setbacks with a renewed focus on attacking soft targets, using civilian compounds as shelters, leading to an increase in civilian casualties and the waging of a psychological warfare through terror and destruction. We are documenting changing battle tactics by the Taliban in incorporating a more heinous strategy by planting improvised explosive devices and other explosives in civilian spaces, including targeting schools.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The attacks represent a violation of international humanitarian law, and any degree of passivity from any of us can lead to the misunderstanding of weakness and space for the group to dictate the terms of the negotiations. Despite the continued attacks, our security forces have repulsed the Taliban's spring offensive and prevented the group from capturing territory. According to the latest joint Government committee report, from 85 to 90 per cent of productive territory, including natural resources, highways and other infrastructures, are under Government control. To further deter the extremist elements, our security forces were able to clear the Taliban presence in Deh- Yak and Khwaja Omani districts of Ghazni province over the past several weeks.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“They have restricted the movement and activities of many aid organizations, including the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and have vowed to continue their attacks on aid agencies. During the three-day Eid holiday, at least 30 people were killed in approximately 23 Taliban attacks in Logar, Helmand, Baghlan and Kapisa provinces. These attacks unfortunately reconfirm the group's desire to manipulate a genuine offer for a peaceful settlement to the conflict. We believe that only a dual-track approach of pressure and incentives can ensure a conducive environment for a successful outcome.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“That is demonstrated by the Government's decision to release nearly 900 Taliban prisoners following the Bid religious holiday as part of the demands from the participants in the peace jirga and as a confidence-building measure. Unfortunately, actions taken so far by the Taliban fail to signify even the slightest degree of commitment to peace. Not very long ago, the Taliban announced their spring offensive campaign and started to attack civilians while their representatives were engaged in peace negotiations. That is further evidenced by new attacks during the month of Ramadan against ordinary Afghans, civilians and religious figures who were denouncing violence and spreading the message of peace in different parts of the country. The Taliban has also attacked and killed many humanitarian aid and medical workers.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The best measure of progress in advancing peace negotiations is not only the extent to which the Taliban reduces its violence, but rather that they cease it entirely through a permanent ceasefire, and their decision to engage in direct talks with the Government. The intra-Afghan dialogue is a good start towards direct discussions. We also must not forget the important role that the region can play in facilitating direct peace negotiations for a successful agreement. Building a regional consensus for peace has been vital to Afghanistan, and to achieve that the Government has taken various steps in reaching out to the region to build greater engagement and establish the needed consensus. The commitment of the Afghan Government to peace is clear and genuine.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Therefore, we should ensure that the outcome of any potential agreement will only retain, expand and strengthen women's right for the purpose of a sustainable and durable peace. For our part, we continue to stand ready to engage in comprehensive talks that reflect the views and overall position of the people of Afghanistan. We thank all our international partners, from within the region and beyond, for supporting our efforts for a durable, dignified and lasting peace. In that regard, we highlight the efforts of the United States and other partners in support of peace, including the recent decision of the Government of Germany to take a more proactive role in peace efforts and in helping to facilitate direct talks, which we sincerely hope will take place very soon.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The declaration called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire; respect for the values and essence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; the preservation of democratic gains and the constitutional rights of people, especially women; the start of direct peace talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban; the preservation and strengthening of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces; the continuation of support from the international community; and a realistic timetable for a responsible withdrawal of international security forces. Protecting the essence of our Constitution, especially equal rights for men and women and human rights, is the core element of today's Afghanistan and a strong desire of the Afghan people.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Last month, a consultative loya jirga on peace brought together 3,200 elected members from across the country, including members of political parties, tribal and religious figures, women, youth and civil society, to build consensus and create a mandate for peace talks with the Taliban. Women and young people played a prominent role in the jirga, as women led 13 of the 50 working committees and comprises 30 per cent of all participants. The outcome was the adoption of a declaration that created the parameters and a road map for talks with the Taliban.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We wish to end the decades-long conflict by means of a comprehensive settlement, accepted by all Afghans, and a presidential election to consolidate and ensure the continuity of democracy, governance and the rule of law in our society. At this critical juncture, we are confident that both of those objectives can be attained with adequate international support and with patience and commitment. First, on peace efforts, the National Unity Government has long believed that the prospect of peace can be achieved only through a process that enjoys the support and consensus of all Afghans. The momentum for peace has grown stronger as a result of increased engagement and activities in Afghanistan and abroad.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, as the representative of the brotherly nation of the State of Kuwait, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June. We are pleased that Ambassador Yamamoto is here with us today and would like to thank him for his dedicated efforts in Afghanistan as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. I am glad to see Ms. Sima Samar briefing us today. She is doing important work as the Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. Today's meeting on the situation in Afghanistan comes at a crucial moment, as we are engaged in the delicate task of carefully steering two important national processes, namely, the election and the peace talks.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“However, we would like to ask the Council and the participants in today's open debate to support our efforts to protect and preserve the rights of Afghan women in the gains that we have made over the past 17 years during the peace talks with the Taliban. We welcomed the Council's adoption today of resolution 2467 (2019), and we hope and expect that it will improve the coordination of all international actors in their efforts to end sexual violence in conflict and, more broadly, to ensure continued progress on women's safety and empowerment.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Beyond the civil service, active steps have also been taken in the security sector to recruit more women into the national police and military forces. Ensuring the physical protection of women is only one aspect of our focus on upholding women's rights and empowerment. For us, protection and empowerment have a broad meaning. They also include enhancing the role of women in the civil service, the security sector, elections and the peace efforts that are under way to end the conflict. As part of the Government's commitment, we assure the Council that any potential peace agreement would in no way compromise women's rights or their proactive role in rebuilding a new Afghanistan.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“All those measures demonstrate a comprehensive approach to ensuring women's protection using various means, both within and outside the framework of Government. We are pleased to report that public- awareness initiatives have been making increasing progress, broadening wide networks of actors and advocates. In that regard, public lectures, workshops and conversations on the law on the elimination of violence against women are being held in collaboration with Islamic figures, religious schools, teachers and others. Our independent administrative reform and civil service commission has developed policies to increase the ratio of women's recruitment to public institutions and their protection in the office.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“We have also established a mechanism for registering all alleged and reported crimes nationwide to ensure that all cases are identified and fully addressed. In focusing on this type ofprotection we collaborate closely with various actors on the ground, including the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, local and religious figures and civil society. We have also increased our numbers of female prosecutors and judges to enable women to speak openly about any alleged crime. That has been an effective reform in the judicial sector, where women are now more willing to speak up about acts of violence committed against them. Furthermore, in order to assist the survivors of gender-based violence, we are making sure that family guidance centres are providing legal advice and health and psychosocial services in all parts of the country.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Under our law on the elimination of violence against women, various awareness-raising activities are being carried out at all levels nationwide, including in provincial communities and committees. More broadly, our protection measures are based on a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of violence against women and children. All cases of crimes against women are investigated and referred to judicial institutions, based on various national laws and the law on the elimination of violence against women. Our security and judicial institutions have taken new measures to ensure accountability for crimes committed against women, including sexual violence, which have had a notable impact on deterrence and have led to a drop in crimes committed against women.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Our national action plan on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is a strong example of the Government's commitment, through which we are combating conflict-related sexual violence and working to protect and empower women in all aspects. As part of the protection pillar of our plan, we have improved our legal structure through the enforcement and amendment of legislation to safeguard women from all types of violence and discrimination. Our revised penal code, which entered into force in February 2018, has been expanded by criminalizing all forms of conflict- related sexual violence as a war crime, a crime against humanity and an act of genocide.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank the German presidency for holding today's meeting on conflict-related sexual violence. It reflects the Council's focus, and we hope that today's discussions will reinforce the efforts of all States to enhance progress on the protection of women. The Government of Afghanistan is strongly committed to protecting women's rights and to preventing violence against women in armed conflict. We call on all parties in conflict in Afghanistan to prevent violence against women. That commitment is a reflection of our international and national responsibilities, which are enshrined in our Constitution and national laws and are implemented through the policies and programmes adopted by the Government.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“To conclude, we welcome the adoption today of resolution 2462 (2019) and reaffirm our full support for all international efforts to end the dangerous link between all forms of organized criminal activities with terrorism, including the financing of terrorism. Afghanistan remains a committed partner in this imperative, and its efforts and genuine fight against global terrorism need to be recognized. We are committed to fighting for the sake of security and stability in our country and in our region and beyond.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“New listings for individuals, including those involved in the drug trade as well as wealthy sponsors providing financial contributions to the Taliban and other affiliated groups, are necessary. The sanctions regimes must be thoroughly enforced in full, with the cooperation of all concerned States. In this regard, we appreciate the important work being done by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in connection with the sanctions regime imposed by the 1988 and 1267 Committees. We have even further enhanced our collaboration with United Nations entities, including the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). In January 2017, during CTED's visit to Afghanistan, new areas of collaboration were identified, and, together with international partners, we look forward to the implementation of those recommendations.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“The inflow of resources that finance and support terrorist activities, such as the trafficking in weapons and chemical precursors, arrive from outside Afghanistan, which is why we need a comprehensive regional approach to combat that menace. The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) and the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, were established with a purpose. However, experience has shown that sanctions measures, including the freezing ofassets ofindividuals on the consolidated lists, are often lax and not enforced properly. We believe that the effective implementation of those measures would bring pressure to bear on the terrorist groups and limit their activities.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Those measures led to a decrease in drug production last year, as also reflected in the most recent survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The problem of narcotics in Afghanistan must be seen in the context of a complex situation. We must recognize that only a robust and comprehensive effort, with international and regional partners, geared at addressing all components, including production, trafficking and consumption, can achieve the shared objective, which is to completely eliminate narcotics production and trade. To ensure our success, we call for a more cohesive and unified regional approach, especially given that our immediate neighbours can play an effective and very strong role in confronting the nexus of transnational criminal activities.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Approximately 3,000 operations were conducted last year alone, as a result ofwhich close to 3,500 individuals, including foreign nationals, were apprehended and prosecuted. Similarly, drug-processing laboratories and storage facilities were destroyed through joint military operations. Those operations have disrupted the Taliban's ability to benefit from narcotics revenue. In addition, we also confiscated more than 200 tons of illicit drugs in the course of one year. We have improved security at national airports and border crossings to detect, deter and prevent trafficking, which demonstrates our strong commitment to root out the illicit drug economy and address the linkages between terrorist financing and narcotics.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Progress in that area has led to our compliance with international standards. That was recognized by the Financial Action Task Force, which removed Afghanistan from its compliance watch list. In the broader context, our efforts are also in line with commitments under the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the United Nations Convention against Corruption. We are also engaged in efforts to disrupt the links between terrorism and organized crime. Afghanistan has long been engaged in the fight against narcotics, with a special focus on preventing the Taliban and other affiliated groups from benefiting from the proceeds of illicit drugs. Under our national counter- narcotics strategy, we are taking action across multiple fronts, such as eradication, public awareness and alternative livelihoods.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“We have also implemented measures to strengthen our national legislation to meet the provisions of various treaties, conventions and United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolutions, to combat terrorist financing. Preventing the financing of terrorism is an important part of our national counter-terrorism strategy. Our National Security Council is leading inter-agency efforts to implement that strategy. We have established a task force, made up of the Attorney General's Office, the Ministry of Finance, the National Directorate of Security and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center. The mandate of the task force is to ensure the implementation of legal frameworks to prevent money-laundering and other unregulated currency flows that help terrorists finance their activities.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“We thank you, Madam President, and your colleagues for taking the initiative, under the French presidency, to organize this important meeting on countering the financing of terrorism. Enhancing progress on preventing and combating the financing of terrorism will limit and weaken terrorists in continuing and expanding their reign of terror and destruction worldwide. We welcome this meeting to reinforce the collective efforts of the United Nations and all Member States to create greater awareness of ways to minimize the methods terrorists use to finance their activities. Afghanistan's approach to counter-terrorism is a comprehensive one. As a prime victim of terrorism, we fight various terrorist groups on the battlefield, including terrorist fighters who come from outside Afghanistan.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“We look forward to - and we expect - the Security Council's continuing firm engagement in our stabilization efforts on the way forward. That will be vitally important to achieving a fully secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, which is a fundamental imperative for advancing international peace and security. The meeting rose at 4.05 pm.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“As we are approaching presidential elections in July, we are focused on ensuring a transparent and credible process that is embraced by our people and marks another important step in consolidating democracy and the rule of law in the country. At the same time, we are also encouraged in working to advance our Afghan-led and -owned peace process so as to ensure just, dignified and sustainable peace for our people as a matter of priority. The supporting role of the international community and the United Nations remains of great importance to those national processes, as well as in other key areas, including enhancing development, governance and the rule of law, coordinating the delivery of international civilian and humanitarian assistance and promoting human rights.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“Nonetheless, we regret that the nature of the negotiations on this year's resolution was such that the divergence of views among some Council members led to a situation whereby UNAMA's mandate was extended for only six months, as opposed to the usual 12-month renewal period. However, we understand the Council's commitment to a forthcoming 12-month extension of UNAMA's mandate. We will utilize the upcoming six months to develop a more comprehensive and effective mandate and draft resolution to serve the people of Afghanistan. Afghanistan stands at a crucial juncture in its successful transition towards a self-reliant nation living in peace and prosperity.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the United Nations and all the members of the Security Council have played a crucial role in helping us to achieve many gains that once seemed impossible. Despite remaining challenges, today Afghanistan's progress in consolidating those gains continues to move in a positive direction. That is attributable to the courage and determination of our people and the support of the international community. The adoption of resolution 2460 (2019) today allows the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to continue its mandated activities in support of durable peace, security and stability in our country, which we welcome. As always, we are very appreciative of that.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“I would like to make a few points in the context of today's extension by the Security Council of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Before that, however, let me join previous speakers in expressing the deepest condolences of the people and the Government of Afghanistan about yesterday's terrorist attack in New Zealand. We condemn that attack in the strongest terms and express our solidarity with the people and the Government of New Zealand in the wake of the tragedy. The adoption of resolution 1401 (2002) marked the start of a new phase in the engagement of the United Nations in Afghanistan. It coincided with the determined efforts by the people ofAfghanistan to shape my country's future, one that would see all Afghans, especially youth, taking charge of their destiny.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source