YouSaid · the spoken record

Samar

lines on the record: 39
first: 2002-04-25
most recent: 2019-06-19
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-security-council

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

“the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission issued a report in 2004 entitled A Call for Justice, based on the national consultation on transitional justice. I would like to request that the United Nations support the next stage of the transitional justice process to address the people's desire for peace, justice and reconciliation. Peace, security and sustainable development are not possible without the promotion and protection of and respect for human rights, which are a shared responsibility of Afghans and the international community.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“It is necessary to engage all ethnic, religious and civil society groups - in particular women, youth and victims in a meaningful way - in the planning, negotiation and implementation of a peace plan for Afghanistan. No one should feel threatened or left outside of the process, and all realistic and legitimate expectations and concerns must be effectively addressed. Transparency in the peace process is needed to increase the support of the public for the process and reduce suspicion among the different ethnic groups. We should learn lessons from the Afghan conflict and peace deals over the past 40 years, as well as from other peace processes around the world, including the refusal to sacrifice accountability and justice for a short-term political deal. We need to have patience and a comprehensive strategy for peacebuilding.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I would like to call on the Government to allocate an adequate portion of the budget to supporting people with disabilities and addictions so as to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society. Finally, while all parties should agree on a ceasefire to end civilian suffering, and while the war must end, healing the wounds and giving attention to the victims of the conflict must be priorities for the Afghan Government and the international community in order to avoid the continuation of revenge and violence. Accountability and justice include not only criminal justice but also the establishment of a realistic mechanism to promote lasting reconciliation. I would like to call on the Security Council and the United Nations to step up efforts to safeguard lasting peace and democratic and human rights norms in the country.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The millions of children attending schools is a critical sign of progress in the country. However, many children continue to suffer from being forced out of schools and from child labour and different kinds of abuse. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission's national inquiry on child labour shows that little has been done to protect children from child labour and that they are exposed to violence and harassment. The Taliban and ISIS continue to use children in conflict and to target girls' schools. Allow me to talk about the millions of people with disabilities or addicted to drugs in Afghanistan. While they constitute a large proportion of the population, they suffer from neglect, a lack of support and social security, and discrimination. We must work towards the full realization of their rights.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Access to justice is not a luxury; it is a basic human right. With regard to accountability for cases ofcorruption, some progress has been made. Although many officials were successfully prosecuted, the public perception has remained sceptical regarding the progress; there are concerns that prosecutions have been selective and only against those who do not have a strong political base. I hope further actions will be taken to improve the administration ofjustice and change public perception. Last year, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission conducted research on racial discrimination. More than 20 per cent of Afghans felt they were discriminated against. It is important to improve the sense of social justice and inclusion so that everyone feels equal and no one is left behind - politically, economically or socially.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I also would like to brief the Council on the situation of justice, accountability, the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts. Despite some improvements, the situation still needs political will, investment, capacity-building and public awareness. Holding the perpetrators of human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable has been proving hard for our national judiciary mechanisms. The decision of the International Criminal Court to initiate an investigation of the situation in Afghanistan created some hope last year, although that hope faded away when the Pre-Trial Chamber rejected the Prosecutor's request for an investigation. Ending the culture of impunity is key for building confidence between people and the State, which, in turn, is necessary to facilitate the peace process.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Afghan special forces recently rescued several hundreds of prisoners held by the Taliban. Reports show that the Taliban have systematically tortured, mistreated or killed detainees and prisoners. I condemn torture. The perpetrators of torture should be held accountable. Despite the decrease in the number of torture cases in the detention facilities run by the Government, we still remain concerned about the situation and a lack of accountability in that regard. Civil society and human rights defenders play important roles in the promotion and protection of human rights, fostering democracy and holding the State accountable. They face enormous challenges, including with regard to security and shrinking space for their activities and programmes. Support for civil society and human rights defenders must be in place and sustained.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I would also like to call on the Government and the international community to support free and fair elections by refraining from interference, safeguarding voter safety and security and providing financial support for a civic awareness programme. I am happy to say that the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, with the support of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, will monitor political rights through the human rights framework. The Commission will continue to verify rights to the freedoms of expression, association and movement, as well as closely monitor the four principles of impartiality, no interference, no intimidation and no discrimination. Torture is a serious human rights violation and should not be allowed under any circumstance - against anyone or by anyone.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We need strong institutions and measures in place to prevent the reoccurrence of violence and gross human rights violations. Economic development is key to facilitating and maintaining long-term peace. Economic opportunities must be created and must benefit women, youth and the poor without discrimination. The prosperity and well-being of women and the poor are requirements for lasting peace and stability. Progress in Afghanistan towards the holding of free and fair elections is also key to stability and security. The presidential election is set to be held in September. The commitment and cooperation of all candidates, political parties and civil society on monitoring, observing and facilitating a free and fair election is very important to the legitimacy of the election.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“That progress includes reform of laws in accordance with international human rights conventions, progress on the fight against torture, and the realization of the political, civil, economic and social rights of all the people. Unfortunately, the continuation of conflict and insecurity and the increased level of attacks on civilians, civilian places, mosques and religious minority groups have resulted in high numbers of civilian casualties and IDPs. The number of civilian causalities last year stood at 11,212, which was a 19 per cent increase. The Taliban and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) remain the main groups inflicting civilian causalities; in some cases, the Afghan security forces and their international partners are also involved. There must be a mechanism in place to heal the pain and wounds ofvictims.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Over 41 years, the people experienced the extreme-left Government of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan and the extreme-right of the Taliban. The people witnessed the disappearance and killing of their loved ones and the destruction of their homes. They were forced to become internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. And their rights and freedoms were violated by the regimes, without any accountability or justice for the victims. Women and other vulnerable groups suffered the most. The people had no role in choosing their Government. After the fall of the Taliban regime, we witnessed some progress on the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Afghan women were grateful for the remarks made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in support of the role of women in peace and security at joint events that took place in Helmand, Kandahar and Kunduz. I would like to use this forum today to call for a comprehensive, sustained commitment and strong political will to make it possible for women to continue to make progress and succeed. Women need to overcome the challenges of a traditional and conservative society, in addition to systematic and historic discrimination. I would like to ask the international community to provide long-term support for the promotion of gender equality for sustainable peace and development. Afghanistan is in conflict.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The results from the inquiry displayed the strong and clear understanding of Afghan women, who desire a lasting peace in which they play a role and are able to express their views and put their demands on the table. Women from all over the country stressed the importance of preserving the bill of rights in our Constitution and demanded that women's rights, human rights and democracy not be compromised or put on the agenda as an item up for negotiation during any political talks. Women also emphasized the need for accountability, social justice and an end to the culture of impunity. They have demanded that strong will for peace be shown by all parties and that they make commitments to democratic and human rights norms and values.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The popular demand is that the outcome of talks should conform with human rights and democratic and free-society norms and values. The talks have generated concerns about the commitment of the parties to preserving Afghan progress on human rights, freedom, democracy and economic development. This year the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission launched a national inquiry on women, peace and security to give voice to the views of women and their expectations of the potential peace deal. The inquiry, which covered 30 provinces and included public hearings, focus groups and surveys of over 3,400 women, was an honest effort to engage women in peace and security.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Ms. Samar: It is a pleasure to brief the Security Council again on Afghanistan. I would like to thank the Council for supporting efforts towards peace, security and human rights in Afghanistan. I also thank Germany and the other members that facilitated the holding of this briefing. After 18 years of cooperation and support from the international community, Afghanistan is entering a very important point in its history. Hope and optimism for promoting and protecting human rights and human dignity has never been higher. At the same time, the fear of going back to the time when Afghans, especially women and minorities, were denied their rights and freedoms has never been greater. The talks with the Taliban have ignited a Widespread and nationwide debate over lasting peace.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I call upon the international community and the United Nations to support the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission to independently continue its job to monitor, protect and promote human rights. The people of Afghanistan deserve to live in full dignity.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“I would like to call on the international community to coordinate and cooperate with the Afghan government in that regard. Establishing parallel structures for short-term quick fixes, which undermine the actual responsibility of formal institutions, will not solve the problem. We all know that human rights, development and peace and security are interconnected and require stable, strong, transparent and accountable institutions, with inclusive citizen participation. Finally, I reiterate that the protection and promotion of human rights are a shared responsibility, and the people of Afghanistan need the Council's continued support. In that context, Afghanistan is a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the period 2018-2020. I look forward to the full support for our candidacy by Member States.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The danger to the very existence of the country, its democratic system, human rights, freedom and economy is immense and immanent. That causes frustration and disappointment and inflicts pain on the Afghan people on a daily basis. International law and the Constitution require Afghanistan to honour its obligation to respect, protect and honour human rights. The country must combat the human rights violations that occur daily and are committed by influential people, and also fight meaningfully and effectively against torture and the inhumane and degrading treatment of people. It must bring to justice all officials who violate human rights. Good governance and strong institutions serving to enforce the law and fight against corruption are key to promote, protect and achieve human rights in Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“I strongly urge the Council to expand the mandate of UNAMA to include transitional justice, and also to facilitate the intervention of the ICC in Afghanistan. I come from Kabul, the capital. The city was attacked last week, and again this week. Many people died. The recent attacks in front of the Parliament buildings, the Supreme Court, a police station and, two days ago, on a hospital are inhuman acts and show that terrorism and the supporters of terrorism in the region continue to kill innocent people and have no regard for any values or norms, let alone international laws and basic human rights. Last year alone, over 11,000 people were killed or injured in Afghanistan, most of them by armed opposition to the Government. The continuation of terrorism and conflict has placed Afghanistan in danger.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The Government of Afghanistan must do more to protect this ethnic group against the immediate threat of Da'esh and the Taliban, and bring to justice those who commit crimes against them. Afghanistan is not a safe place for returnees. I would like to emphasize that the world community must pay attention to the need and the plight of Afghans who seek refuge worldwide. Forcibly deporting and discriminating against refugees based on their origin is not in conformity with the international law. Transitional justice is a very important factor in ending impunity and promoting a culture of accountability. The four periods of war requires an established framework to deal with war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“We are disappointed with the Security Council's decision to take the name of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar from the sanctions list, as well as the blanket amnesty that the Government of Afghanistan provided to him and his commanders. We believe they have committed crimes and violated human rights in the past four decades. Despite the adoption of a national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000), our country is lagging behind in implementation and in significantly including women in peace and security processes. UNAMA should support an inclusive peace process, with emphasis on accountability and justice for victims of human rights violations. Attacks against the Hazara community is a tragic fact in Afghanistan. That ethnic group has been targeted systematically by both Da'esh and the Taliban.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“UNAMA could ease tensions in the region and support Afghanistan in dealing with its regional issues. The people of Afghanistan need and deserve to live in peace. While we welcome any meaningful steps towards achieving peace, we must note that the standard of not talking to terrorists must be the same everywhere in the world. If Da'esh and other terrorist groups are not to be negotiated with, then why are some countries talking to the Taliban? The Taliban are terrorists, and we should deal with them in the same way as we do Da'esh and other terrorist groups. In the meantime, the lack of accountability and respect for justice and human rights in the peace process is a failure; it does not lead to sustainable peace and security.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“I would like to urge the Security Council to consider adopting a draft resolution on the importance of civil society and human rights defenders and their protection. Economic development is key to a better, free and democratic Afghanistan. The country has the potential to be a prosperous country. However, currently over 40 per cent of Afghans live below the poverty line, and more than 60 per cent are extremely poor and face food insecurity. We hope that the international community and the Afghan Government will continue their investment in trade and the economy. The Council could consider calling on our neighbouring country to open its borders to economic transactions, and not limit trade for political purposes. Unfortunately, the closure of the border by Pakistan has had an immense effect on the people and on humanitarian needs.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The lack of security in Afghanistan results in huge displacement, refugees and increased poverty. Roads and villages are not safe, and people are taken hostage and killed. We hope that the international community will continue to contribute to our security. The presence of the United Nations and the international security forces is needed as a gesture of the world's commitment to our security. Civil society and human rights and women's rights defenders play an important role in Afghanistan. They try to hold the Government accountable and champion the protection of the rights and dignity of Afghans. Threats and intimidation against them are increasing. We are happy to say that we have developed a national action plan on protecting human rights defenders in Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Democracy and democratic space for everyone must be preserved and enhanced. Elections and electoral processes have always been chaotic in our country. As an early-warning system and for preventing any disputes, it is important that UNAMA play its role to assist and support the electoral system. We would like to see the Government of Afghanistan and the international community support and ensure transparent, free and fair elections. The new Independent Election Commission needs support, and the Government must prevent any interference in the electoral process in order to build the confidence of the public in democratic processes. The security and safety of Afghans is a prerequisite for everything in Afghanistan. I am sad to announce here that we - both the international community and Afghans - have not been able to secure Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“However, war and threats from terrorist groups remain a real barrier to the expansion and improvement of access to education. They continue to close girls' schools and do not allow modern education for boys. Terrorist groups attacking cities and villages deprive our children of access to education. Four decades of war and conflict have destroyed the foundation of justice, the rule of law and good governance. We still have a weak judiciary and rule-of- law institutions, while the concept of good governance is a new phenomenon in the country. Support forjustice, the rule oflaw and good governance is a key issue for the United Nations to focus on. Supporting the Government to ensure justice and the rule of law by respecting the independence of the judiciary and fighting corruptions is a key for a democratic Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Women are victims of violence, and that remains a very sad story of our time. Violence against women is committed at home and in society, and by terrorist groups in very barbaric ways. Many women have been killed, stoned or mutilated by the Taliban - among the horrible incidents that women hear of and fear every day. On the other hand, the lack of a strong rule-of- law system, harmful traditions, corruption and a continuing culture of impunity continue to be factors that contribute to violence against women. Access to education has been the most important progress in Afghanistan. More than 8 million children are now enrolled in schools, and more than 30 per cent of them are girls. Education is key to a prosperous and strong Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“On women's rights, we celebrated 8 March in Afghanistan by issuing a report on violence against women. We have noted that progress has been made on addressing violence against women, which includes the approval and implementation of the law on the elimination of violence against women and numerous policies, including the national action plan on women and peace and security. The report also acknowledges that the Government has taken concrete steps in giving women an opportunity to apply for high office, and the number of women in key Cabinet and Government positions has increased. Women are striving for equality, justice, recognition and meaningful participation in Government, and they have had some success. However, I am sad to say that, despite all the progress we have made, women are not yet treated equally.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The country acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and signed onto the International Criminal Court (ICC), in addition to five other main international human rights instruments. With a strong and modern Constitution, we have also achieved a real and meaningful review of our laws, have adopted new laws in support of human rights and have put in place policies and programmes that promote and protect human rights in the country. The following are examples of the progress we have made on human rights, and also challenges and threats that we face in the country. I spoke of progress and challenges, and I would now like to elaborate further.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“They ruled by denying the Afghan people's rights, freedom and dignity, and they were proud of violating women's rights - lashing women in public and closing schools and offices to women. Women were not even allowed to go shopping without male members of their family. The Taliban still do the same to the people who live under their rule and influence. But in most of the country we have transformed that situation, where freedom, human rights and equality for women and men are constitutionally guaranteed. Afghanistan's Constitution established an Independent Human Rights Commission to monitor, promote and protect human rights, and obligated the State to observe human rights and international treaties Afghanistan has signed and become a party to.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The achievements and progress of the country have been immense and beyond my capacity to describe in this meeting in the allotted time. Nonetheless, we should celebrate our progress and transformation and acknowledge the bravery, shared responsibility and sacrifices we have made through the course of our progress. One of the areas that I want to highlight is that of my responsibility as Chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, human rights and women's rights in Afghanistan. We all remember - colleagues who have been supporting Afghanistan remember-that 16 years ago the Taliban ruled Afghanistan. They ruled the country with violence, extrajudicial killings, threats and intimidation and barbaric execution of people.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Ms. Samar: I am very much delighted to brief the Security Council on Afghanistan. I would like to thank you, Sir, and Security Council members for their support to my country, Afghanistan, and the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I hope that the mandate of UNAMA will be extended and expanded by the Council, and should also like to stress that the full and strengthened presence of the United Nations and the international community is vital for peace, stability, security and the protection of human rights in Afghanistan. I would like to thank UNAMA for its presence and its work in support of our people, institutions, security and peace. I am pleased to say that Afghanistan has transformed in many ways.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“With the support of the world behind us, we will step forward confidently, step by step, to transform the future of Afghanistan, the region and the whole world. Once again, I am deeply thankful to you, Sir, and your colleagues in the Security Council for this meeting on Afghanistan. I know how fully the Council has to concentrate its attention on the Middle East because of the dramatic urgency of the situation in that region. Let me express the support of the Afghan people and Government for the action of the Security Council in favour of peace in the Middle East. We highly support the necessary and urgent implementation of all the resolutions of the Security Council on the Middle East. We hope for a world without violence and for peace throughout the planet.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“The international community must renew its commitment to come together collectively and decisively to root out the elements of instability and give sustained support to rebuilding the peace in Afghanistan and stabilizing the region. We have learned that violence does not simply stay within the borders of Afghanistan, but that it grows roots and extends to areas well beyond the country and the region. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Together, we have a chance to change the future of Afghanistan, to create a model of democracy and peace in an area that is fragile and to restore women's rights and human rights. Help us move forward towards that hope and dream. Help us release the men and women of Afghanistan from a cycle of oppression, isolation and war.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“But I ask the leaders of all nations to consider carefully their responsibilities and to weigh the political and economic costs of expanding and extending the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) against the great risks of not taking action and not strengthening security. Finally, security means immediate and long-term funds to strengthen the Government overall. The amount of aid that the interim Government has received has been very small compared with the pledges and, especially, with the tremendous need. We need financial resources to demonstrate that peace creates changes in the conditions of people's lives. Let us not leave the job of restoring peace in Afghanistan half finished.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“Continued instability may also undo all the political work that has been put in place with so much effort by the people of Afghanistan and friendly nations everywhere. It will waste perhaps our last real chance to reverse the decades of violence and to create peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the region. We have heard that Member States are reluctant to extend the security forces in Afghanistan because of the fear that the soldiers will face risks of kidnapping and killing. Yes, those risks may be there, and we must respond by putting everything possible in place to give those soldiers the proper support so that they are not left vulnerable. But if we do not act against the problems that Afghanistan faces, the risks will be even greater. I know that what I am asking for is not easy to provide.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“Unless greater security is provided, the inclusion of women in the Loya Jirga may be undermined and the distribution of identification cards to enable women's participation in future elections imperilled. Women in Afghanistan are finally beginning to see a little light after a very long darkness. But the gains that have been made in the past four months could easily be lost unless security is greatly improved. We are told that an expansion of peacekeeping forces is too expensive. But another cycle of war will prove an even greater expense to the world: it will be costly in terms of the loss of human lives. Another period of violence will also risk the money and support that have already been invested in the peace process.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“We look forward to the day when our national army is prepared and mobilized well enough to respond to acts of violence and instability in any part of our country. But one cannot expect a Government in place for only four months to be able to respond to the level of challenges that we face after more than 20 years of destruction and of a culture of war. Without the immediate expansion of international peacekeeping forces, peace, democracy, reconstruction and the restoration of women's rights and human rights will not be possible in our country. The rights of women, in particular, are put at risk by the absence of security. Women continue to fear Violence and to worry about the imposition of Taliban-like restrictions.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“I am delighted to be here today in an institution devoted to peace. I congratulate the United Nations for standing behind its mandate of supporting global stability by rising to the responsibility of supporting the peace process in Afghanistan. That commitment by the United Nations and its Member States has given the Afghan people the confidence to stand against the forces of oppression and evil and to move forward in restoring peace in our war-torn country. I am pleased that we have made great progress in this short period. In the past few months, we have moved quickly from Bonn to Tokyo to Kabul, putting in place political processes and a Government framework for the daunting task of reconstruction and rebuilding Afghanistan. The Afghan people stand behind the peace and pledge that they will work to bring about stability.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source