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

“Against all odds, Afghanistan has progressed steadily on the path of economic cooperation, increased regional connectivity and shared prosperity. We have expanded multidimensional relations with our Central Asian neighbours, thereby resulting in numerous agreements in the areas of trade, connectivity and economic cooperation. The inauguration of Afghanistan's segment of the Turkmenistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline in Herat by President Ghani and leaders and senior officials of Pakistan, Turkmenistan and India, following more than a decade of preparatory work, has generated new incentives for cooperation and opportunities for fostering mutual trust and confidence. Additionally, other regional projects aim to boost productivity and economic cooperation for common gains.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“We now have female ministers, deputy ministers, members of Parliament, peacemakers, civil society activists and ambassadors serving as proactive agents for the development of Afghanistan. Two weeks ago, at a historic event, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah represented Afghanistan at the inaugural session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. That symbolized Afghanistan's overall commitment to the principles of universal human rights. Despite progress, we know that our achievements in the area of the promotion and protection of human rights need to be consolidated as indicated in the report of the Secretary-General with regard to civilian casualties documented by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which I mentioned earlier.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The effort is carried out within the parameters of a broad-based dialogue with a view to advancing the national interests of Afghanistan, in conformity with the spirit of our Constitution. Our overall objective is to advance national unity and strengthen social cohesion and inclusivity to achieve a just and peaceful society, fully grounded in the rule of law, where our youth can fulfil their national aspirations. We are confident that our efforts will soon yield positive outcomes. On today's special occasion, I reaffirm the National Unity Government's commitment to empowering the role of women in all facets of our society and politics. Ms. Sarabi's briefing offered a clear perspective on progress made in terms of the benchmarks of our national strategy, resolution 1325 (2000) and the challenges ahead ofus.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The Kabul Process is notjust about outreach to the Taliban; it is about ending the conflict, achieving peace and preserving the democratic order, for which numerous Afghans and allies have sacrificed their lives. Moreover, the Taliban should not be permitted to misuse the opportunity they have been presented, as they have done in the past. As we grapple with security challenges, we are working to achieve the important objectives stipulated in the agreement that founded the National Unity Government of Afghanistan, witnessed and welcomed by the international community. That is essential for our national unity and political stability, as it is for the success of our new peace plan.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Meanwhile, according to the latest United Nations report, we have suffered more than 10,000 civilian casualties yearly over the past four years, mainly due to terrorist attacks plotted beyond our frontiers. In their desperation, they do not even hold back from such heavily risk-prone attempts as to abuse and manipulate ironclad and all-weather friendships in international relations, in favour of concealing the evidence of their sponsorship of terrorism, obfuscating facts and distorting narratives at regional and global forums. In the light of increased terrorist activities around the world, the time has come to openly debate the regional State sponsorship of terror outfits exported to our country and let the world know more about its behaviour.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The regional State sponsors of terror outfits exported to our country have recently pursued new methods of denial and belligerence by using reverse psychology and attempting to distort narratives. Irrefutable evidence of complicity in facilitating safe havens and logistical support to terrorists has been responded to by failed methods of counter-narratives, accusing Afghanistan of "providing safe havens to terrorists". Exploiting the democratic political dynamics of Afghanistan, they attempt to sow discord among our people, victimize our refugees by unfairly linking them to terrorism and portray their orchestrated terror attacks as civil war.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The conference renewed the call for tangible measures for combating terrorism, in accordance with obligations stipulated in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and various Security Council counter-terrorism resolutions. We hope that States that have failed in that endeavour will adopt a new approach based on express commitments for the benefit of regional security. For too long, the debate on State-sponsored terrorism has been kept away from international forums, including the United Nations. Beyond the intelligence networks, the rest of the world knows little about the behaviour of that aspect of terrorism at national, regional and international levels.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Should his call receive a positive response, the Taliban will be granted the chance to become normal citizens, to compete peacefully in politics through democratic procedures, to be relieved of Security Council sanctions measures and to enjoy the benefits of other positive measures. In turn, they will have to give up their long-standing path of violence. Moreover, our peace process aims to protect and expand, not diminish, the rights of our people, especially women. The time is now for the Taliban to respond affirmatively and seize the historic opportunity before them. We are inspired by the international community's level of support for our new peace plan.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Yet, despite all ofthe evidence linking those attacks to regional sponsors, the question once again is, When will that happen? Last week, Afghanistan convened the second conference of the Kabul Process for peace and security. That marked a major development in the context of peace efforts aimed at ending the conflict and achieving a credible and just peace that conforms to the aspirations of all Afghans. In recognition of our people's demand for ending violence, President Ghani reached out to the Taliban in an unprecedented manner, calling for direct talks without preconditions.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Armed gunmen from the Taliban's Haqqani Network attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, killing 18, including 14 foreign nationals, and wounding many more. The subsequent week witnessed two more barbaric attacks - one in the Jalalabad compound of the international non-governmental organization Save the Children, where 27 people died, and the other was an explosives-laden ambulance detonated next to a major civilian hospital in the heart of Kabul. The blast destroyed vehicles, shops and buildings nearby, killing at least 105 civilians and injuring 235. The use of an ambulance for such a ghastly attack is a war crime under international law, including international humanitarian law. The Council condemned the attacks and cited the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers and financiers ofthe attacks to account.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“In that regard, recent decisions, including the reduction of financial aid to the State concerned and its inclusion in the watch list of the Financial Action Task Force represent a renewed attempt to encourage genuine action on the crucially important goal of defeating terrorism effectively. We hope that the trend continues and that the response to those measures is positive, in the interest of peace and security in Afghanistan and the region. Days after the Council's visit and almost immediately after the 19 January high-level meeting of the Council, regional sponsors of terrorism, through their trained violent proxies, unleashed a new wave of terrorist attacks. The sheer level of savagery in those despicable and heinous attacks was startling.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“During the Kabul visit, the Council discussed a range of security, political, economic and social issues with Afghanistan's leadership in Government, the Parliament, the judiciary, the High Peace Council, political parties and civil society. One common request pertained to effective Council action to address the sponsorship of terrorist outfits and the problem of their regional safe havens as priority needs for security and stability in Afghanistan. That was highlighted by Ms. Safi here today. It is also reflected in the recent report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2018/165). Of late, we have seen new measures at the international level to change the calculus and promote genuine and productive counter-terrorism cooperation.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“In that light, the Council's visit to Kabul from 13 to 15 January and its high-level meeting on 19 January on the security and development of Afghanistan and Central Asia (see S/PV.8162) were clear signs of international support at the highest level. We are grateful to all members of the Council for their collective commitment and improved consensus on a more focused engagement on key issues related to Afghanistan's security, stability and development. We wish to offer a special debt of gratitude to my friend and colleague Ambassador Kairat Umarov for his personal efforts in that regard as President of the Council during the month of January.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Nevertheless, regional sponsors of terrorism, having faced international pressure and setbacks in the countryside, remain belligerent, as reflected by their efforts to engineer violent attacks in urban centres with high numbers of civilian casualties. Despite that, governance reform and economic development have continued unabated. A national dialogue among various political forces has been under way on issues that are crucial to our unity and political stability, the success of our peace efforts and preparations for holding timely and transparent parliamentary elections this year. Afghanistan has always emphasized that our partnership with the international community has been a strategic asset for advancing shared goals of defeating terrorism and achieving stability.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto, for his briefing. Today's meeting provides another occasion to assess the overall situation in Afghanistan. 1 am pleased to report that, in the course of the past three months, the imperatives of Afghanistan's security, stability and development received added international attention, with particular focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict and strengthening our defensive and security capabilities, in parallel with efforts to devise a more practical peace plan. Our security forces, with better support from international partners, have increased pressure on terrorist groups across the country.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating the Netherlands on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, and by thanking you, Madam President, for convening today's debate on Afghanistan, which coincides with International Women's Day. We pay tribute today to the important contributions of women in promoting stable and prosperous societies. It is an occasion to focus on what more needs to be done to empower women against the many challenges they face, particularly in conflict and post-conflict societies. I am pleased that Her Excellency Ms. Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, will be joining us later on, and my dear colleague, Ms. Habiba Sarabi, Deputy Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, and Ms. Mariam Safi are among us here today.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Let us therefore seize the opportunity before us for the benefit of peace and security, not just in Afghanistan, but rather for the stability of all our societies.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“In the same vein, the recent increase in production should be seen in the context of the symbiotic link between the narcotic drug industry and the problem of terrorism and violence. We also reaffirm the need for a holistic approach to the drug problem that focuses on all facets, including production, trafficking and consumption, on the basis of the principle of shared responsibility. Finally, as we approach the new year, let us reaffirm our resolve to consolidate the many achievements that have been made so far, while bearing in mind that collective action within the framework of a more collaborative effort among all stakeholders, particularly countries in our region and beyond, provides the surest guarantee for our joint success.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Additionally, we are working to create economic opportunities and to strengthen security, which would provide incentives for people to remain in the country and contribute to the rebuilding of their nation. On the counter-narcotics front, we are working in close cooperation with UNODC to implement a national drug action that aligns law enforcement, education and public health in the light of existing challenges. We need a more sustained and integrated approach to better reduce the illicit production and trafficking of narcotics and organized crime, including money- laundering, corruption and the financing of terrorism. In this regard, we remain committed to expanding our cooperation with our allies on related areas.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Furthermore, the President has endorsed an additional annex to the presidential decree on the prohibition of torture, thereby providing a legal avenue to victims of torture for redress. These developments are reflective of our resolve and commitment to upholding the rule of law for civilian protection and the promotion of equal rights for all in a free society. Consistent with resolution 1325 (2000), the role of Afghan women is becoming more prominent in the peace process. The ongoing cycle of violence has exacerbated conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs). In coordination with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the voluntary repatriation and other programmes are providing much needed assistance to returning refugees and IDPs.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“The materialization of multiple mega-regional projects demonstrates that, despite the continuous attempts of some to turn our location into a destabilizing force for the region and the world, terror cannot deter the course of development and prosperity of our country and the region. In the area of human rights, we continue to make strides in civilian protection and the promotion of human rights, despite the effects of conflict. In this regard, we welcome UNAMA's second annual civil- military dialogue on the protection of civilians in Kabul. We are gravely concerned about the increasing attacks on mosques and worshippers. To combat this menace, which is trying to sow discord among our population, we have introduced measures to protect places of worship at risk.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“This year has seen major progress in the steady implementation of mega-regional projects that have visualized Afghanistan as a land bridge, business hub and trade and transit roundabout between Central Asia, South Asia, the Far East and the Middle East. The Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan and the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process have progressed steadily and helped elevate regional economic cooperation and sociocultural exchanges to new levels. Recently, we have signed bilateral and other agreements with various countries of the region, including Turkmenistan, India and Uzbekistan, to scale up the level of trade, transit and other means of cooperation for mutual benefit.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Among the outstanding issues to be addressed, the assets of former and current Taliban leaders must be frozen so that they do not fund the death and destruction of innocent civilians. Furthermore, the listing and delisting of terrorist groups and associated elements must be based on existing evidence and proper technical appraisal, shielded from politicization and manipulation by certain States. We are looking forward to increasing our engagement with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (OCT). A relationship of mutual trust between OCT and the Government of Afghanistan will be pivotal as we strengthen our reliable partnership to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“In the area of security and counter-terrorism, the implementation of the sanctions regimes under resolutions 1988 (2011) and 1989 (2011) must improve if it is to succeed in helping turn the tide against terrorism. Those sanction regimes were put in place to restrict the operational capacity freedom of movement of terrorists, as well as the flow of material resources in the region, including illicit arms and cash, which end up providing oxygen for terror to thrive. Yet, experience has shown that the sanction regimes are lax at best and struggle to achieve the results for which they were mandated. We hope that the necessary adjustments on the part of relevant members of the Security Council are made to enforce sanctions against terrorists and extremists.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Moreover, the adoption in November of General Assembly resolution 72/10, on Afghanistan, once again symbolized the international community's strong consensus on and support for stability and prosperity in my country. Further, our accomplishment in the Human Rights Council election and the successful adoption of two Afghan-initiated resolutions countering the threat posed by improvized explosive devices, as well as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, show our active engagement and contribution at the global platform of the United Nations. In order to uphold the General Assembly's resolution on Afghanistan in letter and spirit, its effective implementation is imperative.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“We welcome the Security Council's Arria Formula meeting held in November, held under the theme "Partners for Afghanistan: linking security, development and peace in the Central Asian region", and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate's joint meeting with donor countries and Afghanistan, which underscored enhanced development and counter-terrorism measures. In the broader context of the United Nations engagement in Afghanistan, the one United Nations vision is steadily progressing, in collaboration with the United Nations team on the ground. An adjusted United Nations role will go a long way towards ensuring greater coordination, coherence and efficiency among relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, in accordance with the reform agenda of our Government and that of the Secretary-General.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Aside from regional dynamics and peace efforts, we know that sustaining and consolidating past achievements requires steady progress in advancing our reform agenda and in strengthening political consensus and national unity. To that end, the comprehensive dialogue under way is geared towards ensuring the credibility and transparency of future elections and achieving common understanding on a number of other pressing national issues, all of which bear crucial importance for long-term stability in Afghanistan. Success in that endeavour will require collective efforts on the part of the Afghan Government and the international community. In recent times, we have seen a more proactive and productive engagement at the highest level between the United Nations and Afghanistan.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“We look forward to the upcoming trilateral meeting in Beijing next week between the Foreign Ministers ofAfghanistan, Pakistan and China. In the area of peace efforts, we remain focused on providing a peaceful, dignified and fulfilling life to all Afghans, free of conflict and insecurity. The Kabul process, now fully operational, provides an overarching framework to harmonize international and regional efforts to help advance peace efforts. We look forward to the next meeting of the process in February, at which we will outline our renewed strategy to counter terrorism and extremism and promote peace. That will be an opportune moment for the Taliban to change course, denounce violence andjoin the peace process.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Under the pretext of receiving fire from our side, Pakistan's violations across the Durand Line, including indiscriminate artillery shelling, have continued unabated throughout 2017, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of villages. Our proposal for engagement and operational coordination towards addressing those concerns has not yet seen any response. At the same time, Afghanistan has the will and capacity to defend its territory and our patience should not be tested. We believe that confidence-building measures can be successful only when violations of that nature come to a complete halt. In a similar vein, we are also in communication on the imperative of addressing terrorists' regional safe havens, and hope to see positive developments on that front soon.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“It is our earnest hope that Afghanistan will be seen by all partner countries outside the prism of regional and international tensions. Let me assure the Council of Afghanistan's sincere intent to be a platform of cordiality and fellowship for all. Substantial improvements in the context of Afghanistan-Pakistan bilateral relations and cooperation remain an issue of crucial importance. Recent collaborative measures, including the visit of a senior military delegation to Pakistan and the visit of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation to Kabul are noteworthy developments. We are awaiting positive outcomes on various outstanding issues, including violations across the Durand Line, which is currently a key hindrance to improving relations between our two countries.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“To accomplish these tasks, there is a growing need to increase dialogue among regional and global Powers, leading to enhanced regional cooperation in developing mechanisms of verification and coordination to eliminate threats arising from terrorism and violent extremists. In that context, Afghanistan welcomes recent expressions of readiness on the part of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation to cooperate with the United States in Afghanistan in the areas of counter-terrorism and narcotics. We have always deemed such cooperation to provide win-win opportunities to overcome shared challenges and achieve common gains. We hope that this development will help generate a new spirit of cooperation among all regional countries, free from rivalry and competing interests.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“We continue to clear territory in different parts of Afghanistan from the presence of the Taliban, Da'esh and other terrorist groups. As of late, a significant number of senior Taliban and Da'esh figures have been eliminated and captured, including financiers, planners and recruiters, while scores of attacks have been prevented and subverted. Alongside those gains, we are now working to double the size of our special forces and triple the size of our airforce, with support from our international partners. Consolidating our gains and achieving sustainable peace requires a revamped diplomatic effort at the regional and global levels and an inclusive process of democratization domestically, leading our country in the right direction.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“We are pleased with the new counter-terrorism focus on condition-based support to Afghanistan and addressing regional terrorist safe havens. That has brought new momentum and, more broadly, an opportunity for key regional and international partners to combat terrorism more decisively. As we speak, the so-called fighting season of the Taliban and other terrorist groups has nearly ended. Terrorists have failed to make any notable gains on the ground and have suffered heavy losses in terms of manpower and morale. Pressured militarily, they have desperately resorted to soft-target attacks in urban areas. Our security forces have proven their effectiveness in countering terrorist elements in independently conducted operations.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening today's debate on the situation in Afghanistan. We are also grateful to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report, as well as to my good friend, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, for his comprehensive briefing. We also thank United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director Yury Fedotov and Ms. Wazhma Frogh for joining us here today. As always, these debates provide an opportunity to take stock of the situation in Afghanistan, progress in related fields and challenges that remain. But above all, it provides a clear reminder of the symbiotic link between peace and stability in Afghanistan and security in the global arena.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“We will continue to advocate the implementation of current policies so that we can end the practices that put the lives and future of our children at risk. My delegation is thankful to our international partners for supporting us in that endeavour. Afghanistan looks forward to a bright future free from violence and terror, in which all children live in freedom and peace.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“The Afghan Government has established a committee to investigate instances of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the armed forces, and has welcomed the independent Commission on Human Rights and the Office of the Attorney General's investigation of crimes committed by the Afghan national police force. Additionally, the Afghan Government recently renewed the penal code and, in 2016, adopted the child protection law, which also seeks to criminalize various forms of mistreatment and abuse, including the practice of so- called bacha bazi. Afghanistan faces tremendous challenges in our efforts to securing lasting peace and security, which inextricably affects the potential of the country's youth.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“On 21 December 2014, age-assessment guidelines to prevent and respond to child recruitment into the Afghanistan national security and defence forces was adopted by the steering committee in Kabul, which are used for volunteers who want to join the national to prevent underage recruitment into the security forces. Since those new reforms, 35 underage children serving in the armed forces have been reunited with their families, and 289 instances of child recruitment have been prevented within the eight regional recruitment centres. Notably, the directives of Afghanistan's Ministry of Education in 2016, which instructed the Afghan national defence and security forces to stop using schools for military purposes, is commendable.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“The prevention law to combat underage recruitment into Afghan national security forces, based on article 79 of the Constitution, was signed by the former President of Afghanistan and ratified by the Parliament in November 2014. Afghan national defence and security forces have endorsed a 15-point road map towards compliance, with the support of the United Nations. Among those measures, the Government has agreed to screen all national and local police units to release all underage recruits and establish a system to investigate, prosecute and take disciplinary action against those responsible for the recruitment of children.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We are implementing various measures and programmes in line with our national and international commitments, aimed at ensuring that our children live in peace, security and dignity. In that connection, we have adopted a number of policies to ensure that no child is recruited into our national defence and security forces. In 2010, we established an interministerial steering committee on children and armed conflict. In 2011, that committee developed a national action plan to end and prevent the recruitment of children into our defence and security forces. Among other reforms, we established 21 child protection units with the Afghan national and local police recruitment centres, which have prevented more than 100 underage voluntary enlistments. We have appointed high-level focal points in our national army to promote child protection.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We also seek to build upon that relationship, as reflected by the constructive and positive meeting between the new Special Representative, Ms. Gamba, and our national security adviser on the sidelines of the General Assembly, whereby both sides agreed to facilitate increased engagement on the issue. The protection of children and promotion of their rights are among the top priorities of the Afghan Government. To that end, our efforts towards their empowerment continue unabated, within the framework of various international instruments, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Terror, violence and insecurity in our country are rooted in factors that lie outside Afghanistan, with regional and global dimensions. Hence, the goal should be to overcome the structural drivers of conflict and violence worldwide. The Security Council has a fundamental role to play in that regard, as the main United Nations body entrusted to maintain international peace and security. We expect the Council to respond appropriately to ensure the protection and well-being of Afghan children and children in the world at large. The Government of Afghanistan, for its part, is fully committed to working closely with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to improve the lives of Afghan children.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“But the question remains: Why are our children suffering on a daily basis, and for how long will we avoid addressing the fundamental factors that threaten the lives and well-being of children in armed conflict? Just a few hours ago, before coming here, we learned that another terrorist attack took place in Kabul 4 taking the lives of many and leaving many victims in its wake. We have yet to hear the details, but I have no doubt that among its victims are children or children's family members. Child protection can best be ensured by addressing the root causes of conflicts. Regardless of what we do, as long as insecurity and violence persist, the physical and psychological well-being of children will always be in danger - as we are experiencing in Afghanistan.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Let me thank the Permanent Mission of France for convening this open debate on the urgent issue of children and armed conflict. I would like to extend my gratitude to the invited speakers for their briefings. I would also like to welcome Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and to commend her work on ending the suffering that children face globally due to conflict. Children suffer tremendously worldwide due to war, violence and armed conflict. That is especially true in the case of Afghanistan, where so many childhoods have been compromised and impacted by imposed violence and conflict for almost four decades.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We can say with confidence that Afghanistan has entered a new phase in its journey to transform the role of women into a powerful force of change, while contributing to the vision of a self- reliant nation that stands in lasting peace, tranquillity and stability. We are confident in our success, but the support of the international community continues to be crucially important to realizing that vision. We would like to take this opportunity to express our consciousness of the deep debt of gratitude we owe to all the friends and partners that continue to make an important contribution to our efforts. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in order to elevate our progress in the protection and empowerment of Afghan women to new heights.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“They include the Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, commissions in Kabul and the provinces for the elimination of violence against women, the creation of the post of Deputy Attorney-General for the Elimination of Violence against Women and a commission on the elimination of sexual abuse of women and children. Those structures are integral to the Government's promotion and protection of women's rights and to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Amid all our gains, we realize how vital it is to continue sustaining and enhancing progress on women's empowerment on all fronts.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“In the economic domain, the launch of our national programme for women's economic empowerment has marked another important step forward in the advancement of women. It has supported 67,000 women in agricultural activities and empowered 35,000 in the livestock sector, and it is also recruiting 3,000 female teachers and 900 community midwives and nurses. Physical protection from any form of violence constitutes an integral component of our national efforts to empower women. A number of national structures have been established to enforce constitutional and legislative provisions to protect women.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“In the broader context, there is a common acknowledgement that durable peace and stability in Afghanistan require the participation of women in every aspect of society, be it social, political or economic. The national action plan for the women of Afghanistan, spanning the years 2008 to 2018, commits the Afghan Government to increasing women's representation in the civil service to 30 per cent. The Ministries of the Interior and National Defence have committed to increasing women's representation in those institutions by 20 per cent over the next 10 years. Furthermore, my delegation is pleased to report that at present more than 3,000 female armed-service members and police officers are proudly serving in our national security forces in order to protect our citizens, combat international terrorism and preserve law and order.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“A key component of our strategy relates to ensuring women's participation in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, as well as other matters related to peace and security. Ending the cycle of terror, violence and conflict in Afghanistan is the surest way to protect and promote the rights of all our citizens, particularly women. In this respect, women are front and centre in our national peace process as members of the High Peace Council and civil society, as human rights advocates, and as members of Parliament and Government. Accordingly, the participation of women in peacebuilding efforts is recognized as a prerequisite for peace and reconstruction across the country.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Women's equality in all spheres remains an important national priority, as we are committed to furthering women's participation and role in all stages of decision-making, particularly in relation to peace and security issues. Our commitment to women's empowerment is embedded in our firm resolve to meet our pledges within the framework of our national and international obligations, including the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the international treaties to which we are party. To that end, the Government of Afghanistan is sparing no effort to meet the goals of resolution 1325 (2000). The Afghanistan national action plan on women and peace and security remains the overarching framework for implementing that hallmark resolution.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Today's meeting is of particular importance to my country, Afghanistan, which has seen decades of imposed conflict, including terrorism and violence extreme, all of which has left our institutions and social fabric in a shambles. Afghan women have borne the disproportionate burden of violence and suffering for a long period of time. Their basic rights and fundamental freedoms were completely denied under Taliban rule, as they had no access to education, health care or employment. Needless to say, the plight of Afghan women has seen profound improvements since the fall of the Taliban regime, which marked the start of a new era in our modern history. Since 2001, we have seen tremendous progress across all spectrums of society. Today, the National Unity Government is consolidating the gains of recent years.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source