YouSaid · the spoken record

Saikal

lines on the record: 276
first: 2015-12-21
most recent: 2018-12-17
sittings or episodes: 20
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

“We enjoyed a great level of collaboration between our two Permanent Missions on all relevant issues related to the Council's work on Afghanistan. We also thank Kazakhstan for facilitating the Council visit to Afghanistan in January and for playing a positive role in the peace, security and development of Afghanistan and the region within the Council. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the new members of the Security Council - Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Indonesia and South Africa. We look forward to working closely with them during their tenure on the Council.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Secondly, in relation to the peace process, its outcome should provide the basis for durable peace, while preserving our many democratic gains across various spectrums and, above all, ensure that our country remains on the trajectory of progress, democracy and development. We count on the support of the Council and all of our international partners for ourjoint success. Let me end with a note of thanks and gratitude to the outgoing members of the Council - Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands and Sweden. We are particularly grateful to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations for all its efforts as penholder on Afghanistan in the Security Council this year.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“In that objective, there must be no space whatsoever for seeing Afghanistan as a site of danger and a battle ground for proxy warfare, but rather as a platform of cooperation and cordiality by virtue of location and strategic perspective. As we approach the new year, two issues are crucially important for our shared success. First, the political transition must be transparent, inclusive, embraced by the Afghan people and lead to the strengthening of our national unity and political stability. We look forward to the completion of the transition, which will give birth to a new and re-energized Parliament and Government.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“We are pleased that that imperative is reflected in General Assembly resolution 73/88, on the situation in Afghanistan, adopted two weeks ago. It emphasizes that threats to stability and development in Afghanistan and the region require closer and more coordinated cooperation, as well as greater coherence and complementarity of approach between countries of the region and the international community, for the long-term peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development of the country. In that regard, it underscores the standing of Afghanistan as a platform for such international cooperation. That offers the surest guarantee for completing the mission upon which we all embarked 17 years ago.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“We also witnessed this year the implementation of the Afghanistan section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan- Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, which will revolutionize the energy sector in those four countries. Experience has shown that progress on all fronts - from development and security to economic prosperity and social development - in Afghanistan and elsewhere is best achieved in an atmosphere of amity, unity of purpose, mutual trust and cooperation for the common good. Afghanistan is a rare example of a mission on which various countries, and from different political blocs and security architectures, have converged for a collective purpose, namely, to ensure that Afghanistan is secure and stable and, through that, to promote regional and global peace and security.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“That landmark project reinstates the old trade route in its modern version, transporting famous Afghan products to Turkey and to European markets through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Moreover, since last year, we have operationalized air cargo corridors with India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Europe, the Russian Federation, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China, leading to a substantial increase in the export of Afghan products abroad. The Chabahar port remains an important gateway for providing commercially viable access to the sea, linking the Indian Ocean with Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond. In that regard, we appreciate the collaboration and flexibility of our strategic partner, the United States, in working with Afghanistan, Iran and India towards exempting the port from its sanctions.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“What followed was a high-level ministerial meeting of the Council on building regional partnerships in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a model to link security and development (see S/PV.8162). That was seminal in setting a trend to approach Afghanistan's security from a development perspective. It reinforced a sharpening focus among a broad range of regional partners to advance numerous mega-projects, primarily under the Afghan-led Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan and Heart of Asia Process. Last week, in a historic event, President Ghani inaugurated the long-awaited Lapis Lazuli Corridor project, signed by Foreign Minister Rabbani and his Turkmen, Azeri, Georgian and Turkish counterparts in Ashgabat in November 2017.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Afghanistan's worst drought this century has affected our people and lead to food insecurity, internal displacement and other drastic humanitarian implications. We appeal to the international community to help provide the support needed in order to alleviate this alarming situation, including through contributions to the emergency appeal launched by the United Nations. Amid the challenges facing Afghanistan, adequately addressing the humanitarian crisis should not be overlooked. The Security Council visited Kabul under the Kazakhstan presidency in January and made a strong pledge to improve coordination and consensus on security and development in Afghanistan.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Last Saturday, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China gathered at the level ofForeign Ministers in Kabul for the second round of the trilateral dialogue platform, where discussions centred on tangible measures to build trust by addressing outstanding issues, mainly focused on countering terrorism to reduce violence in Afghanistan. With regard to peace efforts, we reiterated our request from Pakistan to do what is necessary to facilitate direct talks. With regard to security, we asserted that mutual trust and confidence are possible only when we see a reduction in violence and more tangible measures taken against terrorist elements. We hope to see visible progress in the coming weeks and months based on new commitments made, as well as the expectations of our people and the international community.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Any misuse, abuse or instrumentalization of the peace process, by anyone, will not be tolerated by the people of Afghanistan, who have paid a heavy price over the past 40 years of imposed conflicts. That notwithstanding, the imperative of genuine and tangible regional support for peace is of crucial importance. We have always asserted that the Government of Pakistan has a particularly important role to play, given its leverage over key Taliban figures. Support for peace is one of the key commitments stipulated in the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity, which entered into force in April. The Action Plan constitutes an important framework to effectively counter terrorism, help advance peace and avoid territorial violations. Nevertheless, progress on various fronts has thus far been elusive.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Regionally, a number of additional countries have stood behind our efforts, recognizing that the prospect of peace is now within reach. Internationally, we welcome the efforts of the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, which has brought new momentum to the peace efforts. We welcome all forms of support for peace and underline that all such initiatives should be under the purview of Afghanistan's leadership of the process. Let me reaffirm to the Council that we seek a peace that is durable, with increased political, social and economic opportunities for our people: a peace that protects human rights, especially women's rights, and consolidates the gains of the past 17 years and a peace that keeps Afghanistan friendly to the region and to the world at large.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Our people have embraced and were inspired by the international community's renewed partnership and support for a number of imperatives that are crucial to our ultimate success. Among the most important issues discussed in Geneva were our peace efforts, presented by President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah in the context ofthe road map for peace, which was deliberated on at great length. We have fostered an unprecedented level of consensus on the imperative ofpeace nationally, regionally and internationally. Internally, an extensive consultative process culminated in the creation of a negotiating team and an Advisory Board that will provide strategic input on various aspects and stages of the peace talks once they begin. Ijust learned this morning that the Board held its first meeting today.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Consequently, these groups, including foreign terrorist fighters, resorted to new levels of brutality, with increased numbers of cowardly terrorist attacks on population centres, leading to a dramatic increase in civilian casualties. In the face of these atrocities, our people stand defiant in pursuit of peace and democracy. That commitment was made evident by the more than 4 million Afghans, over 45 per cent of registered voters, who came out on election day to cast their vote, despite all of the threats and attacks in various parts of the country. Every candidate and every voter was a target of the Taliban. As we await the final results of the parliamentary elections, our next focus is to address existing shortcomings to ensure success in the presidential elections currently scheduled for April next year.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“This series of events provide a clear picture of the way in which our people have been turning the corner in their difficult journey towards stability and self- reliance. The United Nations played a crucial role in co-chairing the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan and supporting our parliamentary elections, for which we are very thankful. In the area of security, our national security forces have, at great sacrifice, kept terrorist elements at bay throughout Afghanistan. The Taliban and affiliate groups failed to register real gains anywhere in the country. Attacks aimed at capturing territory, including provincial capitals, were foiled, with massive casualties in enemy ranks.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“These include the renewed international partnership as affirmed by the Geneva Ministerial Conference and the adoption of the General Assembly's resolution 73/88, on Afghanistan, two weeks ago; new measures in the context of Afghan-led peace efforts, supported by regional and global partners; and sustained progress by our National Defence and Security Forces in their fight against regional and global terrorist groups, as well as enhanced economic cooperation by virtue of regional connectivity projects. Moreover, our parliamentary elections were, in spite of the challenges, another opportunity where our people, through ballots, took another step towards the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. We also welcome the presence of our worthy colleague, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto; Mr. Fedotov of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; and Ms. Ghizaal Haress, from our country's civil society. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2018/1092), which provides a useful update on the overall situation in Afghanistan. Today's meeting is being held against the backdrop of important developments.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“In recent years, we have strengthened this national will by expediting the implementation of our national programmes to advance and strengthen the rights of women. Although we recognize the need for further progress, we will remain steadfast in this noble endeavour to consolidate our achievements. It is only through our persistent efforts that Afghan women will become agents of sustaining peace.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Additionally, we have also implemented and amended policies to remove legal and societal barriers to women's economic participation. Despite our progress, we have a number of challenges ahead ofus. The biggest impediment to fully implementing our national plans is insecurity, caused by violent proxies exported from outside Afghanistan. The worsening security situation has prevented us from delivering our objectives to all provinces and consolidating the gains of the past 17 years. We once again urge the Council to take appropriate action against the orchestrators of such insecurity, based on international legal commitments and core values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. To conclude, women's empowerment and their active participation in strengthening peace and security are among our core priorities.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Family guidance centres have been established in provincial capitals to provide legal advice, health and psychosocial services for survivors of gender-based violence. In addition, we have created specialized units within the Attorney General's Office in more than half of all provinces. Such measures are positively impacting overall efforts to protect Afghan women. Initiatives such as public awareness campaigns, the establishment of provincial committees and military personnel trainings are all under way to mitigate and prevent gender based violence. Through the national priority programme for women's economic empowerment, we are increasing women's access to economic assets and providing them with support in owning businesses and assisting them in enhancing their job skills and financial literacy.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Over the past two years, we have increased the number of senior positions for women to serve in our security institutions. Women are a key part of our national security forces and police, and have demonstrated exemplary courage and sacrifice in countering international terrorism and upholding the rule of law. Women recruits have joined the ranks of our forces in large numbers, thereby bolstering our aim of achieving gender equality in all sectors. In the area of protection, we have undertaken concrete steps to introduce legislation on violence against women. We have amended existing laws and implemented a law on eliminating violence against women through our courts and other judicial institutions.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We have made a concerted effort to substantially increase women's role and contribution in senior Government positions across various ministries and agencies. We currently have a large number of women serving as senior-level officials in different sectors. As such, they are undertaking a proactive engagement in Afghanistan's long-term stability and development. This dynamic will continue to progress in a positive trajectory. Last week's parliamentary elections saw the vibrant participation of women both as candidates and voters, offering a glimpse of the way in which they are helping to consolidate democracy in the country. Some 28 per cent of seats in our new lower house will soon be occupied by women. Yet, women's empowerment extends beyond the political sphere alone.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Although we are in the early implementation stages of the plan, our second report indicates continued and steady progress. In the past year, our efforts to fully implement the anti-harassment law and the penal code have enabled us to address the societal barriers that inhibit women from participating in the civil service. As a result, we have witnessed the emergence of a prominent presence of women in this field. Today, around 27 per cent of Government employees are women. Moreover, nearly 18 per cent of the High Peace Council's members are women, with four women at the executive leadership level actively taking part in decision-making processes in order to end the conflict and secure stability and lasting peace.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The advancement of women will be discussed at the Novemeber ministerial conference on Afghanistan, in Geneva. In July, we submitted our second report on our national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). Through the plan, we seek to enable women to actively participate in shaping the future of our country by implementing various measures to reach the following objectives: first, increase the meaningful participation of women in the decision-making process and executive levels of the civil service, security, and peace and reintegration; secondly, protect women from all kinds of violence and discrimination through the implementation and amendment of existing laws and policies; thirdly, prevent violence and discrimination against women by raising awareness and public outreach; and fourthly, increase economic security for vulnerable women.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We have prioritized women's empowerment as a strategic objective in our overall efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and stability. Today, many women are the vibrant voice of our society. Our core efforts in advancing the rights of women are primarily based in key national frameworks, including the national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000) and the national priority programme for women's economic empowerment. Their successful implementation is reinforcing the continued effort towards turning our women into drivers of peace. We wish to also highlight the fact that our action plan and national priority programme are embedded in the Self- reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework, as the overarching umbrella for our partnership with the international community.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We thank the delegation of the Plurinational State of Bolivia for convening today's meeting on women and peace and security. We are pleased that this important issue continues to gain prominence on the agenda of the Security Council. No other country knows it better than Afghanistan, which has faced nearly four decades of imposed conflict, resulting in weakened State institutions and severe collective trauma for our people. The impact of the conflict has been borne disproportionately by women, who saw their rights obliterated and voices repressed during the violent years of Taliban rule. Since 2001, Afghanistan has secured tremendous gains towards the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly those of women.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, the RECCA process has achieved phenomenal success in advancing regional connectivity and infrastructure development, turning our country into a platform of cordiality for all. In conclusion, let us bear in mind that we, collectively, stand at a crossroads in our strategic journey for peace and stability in Afghanistan and, more broadly, for global security. In that regard, the start of our partnership with the international community in 2001 generated a contract aimed at securing a stable future for our current and future generations. Together, we have come a long way, reaching the last stage of the transformation decade for self-reliance. Let us complete this vital journey with greater resolve and commitment.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“We have done so believing that only such an approach will lead to success in overcoming common transnational threats and challenges. We continue to widen our network of bilateral arrangements with regional countries, including Central Asian States. In the same spirit, we recognize the enormous economic and other potentials that are yet to be fully utilized. That is precisely the reason behind various Afghan- led initiatives, such as the Heart ofAsia-Istanbul Process and the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA). New memberships in the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process signal growing interest among the broader region. We hope the review and renewal of the confidence-building measures will enable each to make progress at a more equal and similar pace.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“The endorsement of a new mutual accountability framework will refine the nature of our cooperation to make it more impactful for our people, through the improvement of development aid from international donors and effective project completion in the context of our national development strategy. The preparatory meeting for the Ministerial Conference - co-chaired by Foreign Minister Rabbani, Finance Minister Qayumi and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto - will be held here in New York on Sunday. We look forward to seeing everyone there. We have always placed special emphasis on achieving an environment in our region, where various neighbours work in tandem, in a spirit of mutual trust and confidence for win-win cooperation.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“In this light, through a broad national dialogue, we need to work on all outstanding issues related to upcoming elections and win the trust of most stakeholders. We know full well that successful elections and achieving other important national objectives can best be realized in a spirit of unity and understanding. The Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan in November will mark a new chapter in relations with our international partners. Geneva will be a chance for us to brief the international community on progress made against the benchmarks of the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework. More broadly, it will explore the way forward with respect to peace efforts and the regional economic cooperation agenda, which is one of the main achievements of the National Unity Government.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Efforts are under way to ensure that the elections are free, fair, inclusive and transparent, in accordance with the will of our people. The successful electoral outcome will have a profound impact on the future positive trajectory of Afghanistan. Our people expect us to deliver on this national process by addressing legitimate concerns and preventing fraud and insecurity from jeopardizing the process. We welcome the Security Council's new emphasis on the imperative of transparent elections, as emphasized in its presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/ 15) and press statements issued in July and August. This is a welcome development, acknowledged by the people and Government of Afghanistan. Furthermore, our national unity and political stability provide the best guarantee for the long-term stability of our country.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“The important thing is that we either address the root causes or continue to talk about their consequences. Afghanistan has clearly asserted that regional and international support is vital to the success of the Afghan-led peace process. We welcome all coordinated efforts leading to direct talks that can generate concrete results, rather than a repeat of the past. We are keenly following the interactions of some of our partners with the Taliban, which are being coordinated with the Afghan Government. Let me take this opportunity to express a word of thanks to all partners, inside and outside our region, who are supporting our peace process. Such efforts, rendered in a manner that reinforces our ownership and leadership of the process, remain essential. Other key issues are the upcoming elections, which will determine our future stability.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“For nearly a quarter of a century, Afghanistan has been the site of what I term the "geographical genocide" of certain circles within our region. The expectation is that my country should either become their "trusted" agent or be weakened, bled and represented as the horrific face of terror around the world, devoid of its independence, advancement, rich culture and history. The erratic positions of the Taliban in the peace talks, their leaderless profile, factional structure and brutal attacks are used to pursue this policy. Such genocide, with casualties of more than 10,000 a year and traumatizing millions - as we have heard in the presentation by our youth representative - has had a negative impact on almost everything else in our country, including governance, economy, electoral process, anti-corruption, counter-narcotics and so on.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“However, the guiding principle in moving forward dictates that the fundamental factors that have prevented peace efforts from gaining traction must first be adequately detected and then addressed. All along, we have underscored the importance of regional support for our peace efforts, with a specific role for Pakistan. Advancing the peace process is a key element of the recently signed Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity. We welcome last Saturday's visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to Kabul, where he expressed his Government's readiness to support peace and stability in Afghanistan. The key determinant in validating that commitment will be the full and effective implementation of the Afghanistan- Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Lately, through increased diplomatic engagement with various partners, we have strengthened regional and international consensus in support ofpeace efforts. The successive civil mobilizations and gatherings ofIslamic scholars in Kabul, Jakarta and J eddah helped to enable and welcome the first-ever temporary ceasefire with the Taliban in June. Nevertheless, despite that brief lull in fighting, the Taliban rejected the second ceasefire proposed by us and welcomed by the Council. Making real progress in peace efforts will not be possible unless the consistent pattern of manipulating, misusing opportunities and using deception for strategic gains comes to an end. Afghanistan stands fully committed to engaging in a genuine peace process with tangible results for our people.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“The core objective of our enduring partnership with the international community is based on achieving a sustainable peace that is seen as just and comprehensive. As we take stock of the status of peace efforts through new outreach to the Taliban, we need to draw the right lessons from the history of engagement with that group. This is essential to ensure that we are indeed on the right track as we move forward. Following our sustained efforts, this year at the Kabul process conference in February we launched a reinvigorated and more flexiblepeace plan that presented unprecedented incentives that were unanticipated even by the Taliban. It included unconditional talks and measures for theirreturn to and reintegration into society.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“As guardians of our territorial integrity, our national security forces continue to grow in size, strength and professionalism. Moreover, in addition to the substantial increase of our special forces, we are also working to triple the size of our air force by 2020. This, together with our ongoing reform, will have a profound impact in terms of enhancing our fight against international terrorism. In the broader context, and despite the difficult security environment, we remain on track to solidify gains in different areas, including governance and development. This is due primarily to the strength and resilience of our people in defying complex challenges, as they have so courageously done throughout the course of our nation's history; and secondly, to the continued support of our many friends and allies in the international community.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Today's meeting of the Security Council takes place at a crucial moment, as we draw near to the parliamentary elections scheduled for next month and the international Geneva Conference on Afghanistan in November, to be followed by the anticipated presidential elections, in April 2019. If all goes well, by the middle of next year we should have completed our political transition, with a new Parliament and a new Government. Meanwhile, our security forces are leading the national struggle against terrorist and extremist groups, which have increased their brutality against our people as part of a renewed attempt to take even more innocent lives, including those of journalists and aid workers, and subvert our progress.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by conveying our best wishes for a successful Council presidency in September and our gratitude to the United States for having convened today's debate on Afghanistan. We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto for his comprehensive briefing. We are particularly pleased by the presence of Mr. Ramiz Bakhtiar, Afghanistan's first-ever United Nations Youth Representative. We were pleased to see him address the Council today and reflect the voice of our youth on the overall situation in the country. His merit-based selection as our United Nations Youth Representative is a manifestation of how far our younger generation has come in becoming proactive agents of change in society.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Now, it is the job of us - the Government of Afghanistan, the relevant ministries and agencies of our Government, the political parties of Afghanistan, political leaders, civil society and, most important of all, the independent electoral bodies of our country - to put our hands together to pave the way for reasonably free and fair elections in October and a presidential election next year. I have no doubt that, in doing so, we enjoy the full support of the people of Afghanistan and of the international community, as symbolized by the statement of the Security Council today. The meeting rose at 10.15 61.111.”
2018-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8315 (2018) · source
“On behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and of the people of Afghanistan, allow me to thank the Security Council for taking a very firm stand on the course of democratization in our country. We have made some significant gains in that field over the past 18 years, and it is important to strengthen and consolidate those gains and to make sure that they become sustainable. There is absolutely no doubt that the people of Afghanistan are eager to see free, fair and credible parliamentary and district council elections in October and the presidential election next year. Today's statement from the Security Council is a very clear sign that the international community has a keen interest in seeing free and fair elections in Afghanistan.”
2018-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8315 (2018) · source
“The three-day ceasefire with the Taliban enforced last month offered a glimmer of hope that peace is possible. We are working with regional and international partners for a successful outcome to our peace efforts and hope that the coming months will witness more tangible progress on this front. It is our sincere hope that, this time around, we can achieve a sustainable peace for our future generations and create a society where our children can live in peace, free of fear and violence. In conclusion, Afghanistan reiterates its firm commitment to ensuring the full protection and well- being of all children worldwide. It is only through our shared values and objectives that we can alleviate the suffering of children and build sustainable, peaceful societies.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We have had high-level meetings with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, UNICEF and other partners, which have led to increased coordination of ourjoint efforts to ensure safe, dignified and prosperous lives for Afghan children. For Afghanistan, the protection of children and the advancement of their rights remain a central focus in the work of the National Unity Government. We are working to build on and consolidate recent progress in the knowledge that children will provide a stable and prosperous future for our country. We believe that the rights of children can best be protected and promoted in an atmosphere of peace. To meet this end, we have taken new measures aimed at achieving a lasting settlement to the current conflict imposed on our country.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“In the past year alone, through the joint action plan we have taken great strides towards preventing the recruitment of child soldiers and speedily reintegrating delinquent juveniles into Afghan society through vocational training programmes. To preserve these gains, we will continue to enforce the new penal code that criminalizes the sexual abuse of children, regulate juvenile rehabilitation centres, expand the presence of child protection units in the Afghan National Police recruitment centres, and continue our campaign to promote children's rights within the Afghan National Police.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“To that end, we have taken tangible measures, such as the enactment of national legislation by which we are implementing commitments under various international instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. The Government is also implementing various measures and programmes, in line with our national and international commitments, aimed at protecting our children from the horrific effects of armed conflict. Furthermore, we are dedicated to strengthening our concerted efforts with the international community to further the implementation of the joint action plan, a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of Afghan children.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Tragically, in the context of our security challenge, children are among the scores of innocent victims whose precious lives are taken away by terrorist and extremist groups imposed on us from abroad to prevent our stability and development. As a result of this, in the past year alone 3,179 children have been reported killed or maimed in Afghanistan. Moreover, in what amounts to one of the gravest forms of abuse and violation, children have been recruited and brainwashed in religious schools in our region to carry out suicide attacks in their teenage or adult lives. This must be addressed on an urgent basis. The Afghan Government stands firm in its strong commitment to safeguarding and advancing the rights of all children.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“However, today nearly 250 million children are affected by armed conflicts globally. The impact of terrorism and violent extremism on children is devastating. It robs them of their childhood and such basic rights as good health and education, and inflicts lasting trauma that hinders their psychological development. Above all, it undermines their ability to lead peaceful and dignified lives and the chance to prosper and realize their aspirations. Afghanistan has faced externally imposed conflict for four decades and our people, including our innocent children, have suffered tremendously from the resulting violence over this period of time.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General and his Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, for the report before us (S/2018/465). I would also like to thank the Swedish presidency for convening such a timely debate and initiating resolution 2427 (2018) on the protection of children in conflict zones, which was adopted today. We are honoured to be a co-sponsor of this important resolution. The ever-changing nature of armed conflicts in today's increasingly complex world poses a serious challenge to the international community in protecting the most defenceless civilian victims - children. As the future of every society, children need to be protected, nourished, educated and assured of their fundamental rights.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“However, security and durable peace are fundamental solutions to addressing that humanitarian challenge, and require comprehensive national, regional, and global commitment and action. Lastly, in two weeks's time, 21 March will mark the beginning of Nowruz - the Afghan New Year. We are beginning this new spring season with hope, determination and confidence. As international pressure to address the root causes of violence in our country intensifies, our defence and security forces stand as capable as ever to protect and defend Afghanistan against international terrorism. Given that, we have taken a historic step towards the restoration of durable peace in our country. In that light, we look to our international partners, including the Council, to remain at our side in that endeavour.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Based on our national drug action plan, we have continued eradication operations, and opiate seizures have reached their highest levels since 2012. We will continue to increase cooperation with our allies to strengthen the relevant law enforcement agencies, foster greater intelligence-sharing and set up effective mechanisms to curtail drug trafficking. Additionally, refugee repatriation from neighbouring countries remains operational. We are working in close collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide assistance and much needed services to that vulnerable group. We call for continued international support for the joint humanitarian response plan for the period from 2018 to 2021, which requires $437 million for 2018 to assist 2.8 million people in need.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“We are looking forward to the forthcoming ministerial conference on Afghanistan to be held in Tashkent. We wish to expand relations with all partners, including the United Nations. We are grateful for the crucial assistance role of UNAMA, which has been a catalyst for bringing change to the lives of our people. We welcome the renewal of UNAMA's mandate through the adoption of resolution 2405 (2018) and underscore once again the imperative of implementing the one United Nations approach for achieving optimum efficiency and coherence. Let me reconvey our appreciation for the dedicated efforts and leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary- General Yamamoto - a dear friend. Combating the illicit network of narcotics, money- laundering, and terrorism finance remains a key priority for us.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source