YouSaid · the spoken record

Yamamoto

lines on the record: 197
first: 1993-09-15
most recent: 2019-12-16
sittings or episodes: 18
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

“If the country is to succeed in addressing these issues in the next years, the immediate goal is to deliver a credible election whose results reflect the genuine will of the Afghan people and are accepted by the broad range of stakeholders, particularly the candidates. The United Nations will continue to work with all those concerned, both Afghans and international partners, to achieve peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“On the humanitarian front, the United Nations, working with the Government and non-governmental organizations, expects to reach 7.1 million people by the end of 2019 in 371 out of 401 districts of Afghanistan, exceeding the annual target due to a massive drought response. Next year, we hope to reach at least 7.1 million people and, to achieve this, we hope to raise $733 million. We look forward to and appreciate the Council's support. As Afghanistan awaits a new Government, the country and its international partners together have an opportunity to address key challenges and promote rightful causes in shaping a better future for the country. The key issues are peace, development, poverty reduction, human rights and accountability.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Afghanistan will need to continue its reliance on the support of external donors, both for its immediate humanitarian needs and to support longer-term economic development. We expect to have an important ministerial conference next year. It will be the first ministerial-level conference on the development of Afghanistan for the new administration. It will also likely be the last pledging conference for the remainder of the transformation decade ending in 2024. I should like to point out that in order to make meaningful progress in the field of development and reforms, Afghanistan must take positive and tangible steps on the fundamental issues of anti-corruption and accountability, including the issue of impunity.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“I also note that the Parliament of Afghanistan passed a resolution on 25 November, calling for the protection and promotion of women's rights and for the inclusion of women in the peace process. Those are strong expressions of commitment to supporting Afghan women, particularly in promoting their participation in the peace process and in addressing the continuing pervasiveness of violence against women and girls. Incorporating the voices of the next generation will also be crucial. On this note, I would like to warmly welcome Aisha Khurram, the newly appointed Youth Representative for Afghanistan. I know that she has engaged seriously with a broad spectrum of youth in Afghanistan, and I look forward to hearing her remarks later in this meeting.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Peace in Afghanistan would create opportunities for accelerated development and enhanced connectivity of the region and provide common benefits to the people and countries in the region. The strategy for peace therefore needs to have a broad base of support. All peace efforts made by the Afghans and other various stakeholders, including regional countries, should be closely coordinated in a way that creates synergy. I would like to emphasize the importance ofwomen's participation in all the activities of Afghan society. In this context, I welcome and thank Afghanistan and the United Kingdom for creating the Group of Friends of Women in Afghanistan.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“They include the reduction of violence and achieving a ceasefire, as well as finding agreeable ways to build on gains made in the areas of human rights, justice and governance. Those issues are fundamental to the life and well-being of the Afghan people. Therefore, the peace process must by necessity be Afghan-owned. It is imperative that the new Government establish inclusive mechanisms through which the views and interests of the entire spectrum of the Afghan society, including women and youth, are justly reflected. But we all know that peace in Afghanistan has wide-ranging implications for the region and beyond. It is a key issue that affects the stability of the region. It is also an issue fundamental to international efforts to counter terrorist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan Province.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Whatever the outcome of the presidential election might be, peace will be the issue of paramount importance to the new Administration. Even while we await the outcome of the elections, efforts to achieve peace have not ceased. Talks between the United States and the Taliban have resumed. Efforts are under way to continue the intra-Afghan dialogue. President Ghani outlined his thoughts on peace at the Heart of Asia- Istanbul Process Ministerial Conference. Those efforts reflect the strong yearning for peace by all, particularly the people of Afghanistan. Through past efforts in the peace process, some key issues have emerged that need addressing to make substantive progress.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“To name a few, a member of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission was killed by the Taliban earlier this year, and two human rights defenders became incommunicado and were arbitrarily detained by the National Directorate of Security as they were courageously investigating allegations of sexual abuse of children in Logar province. Targeting and attacking such representatives of civil society is totally unacceptable. We will continue to work closely with a range of interlocutors to strengthen human rights protection for those striving to create a more just and equitable society. In that context, I would like to welcome the recent "A" status re-accreditation of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Raj was a highly capable professional and a well-liked colleague. His death has been deeply felt by the United Nations family in Afghanistan. I also note with indignation the death of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, whose assassination was a profound shock to the Afghan people and the humanitarian community in Afghanistan. Sadly, those were not the only violent attacks on aid workers since my previous briefing. There is no conceivable justification for attacks on humanitarian workers, whether they be Afghan or international. I am similarly concerned about the rise in threats and attacks against human rights defenders in Afghanistan and those with different political views.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Over the months of October and November, we saw a slight decrease in overall numbers, but that is not enough. I am particularly concerned about the ongoing deliberate attacks on civilians and an increase in civilian casualties from non-suicide improvised explosive devices and aerial operations. Escalating violence in order to attain a position of strength in peace negotiations - causing many civilian casualties - is unacceptable. Many more concrete efforts to reduce Civilian casualties are required by all parties. I am also alarmed by the increased threat to aid workers in Afghanistan, which has affected the United Nations family in the past month. It is with profound sadness that I note the death of United Nations staff member Anil Raj, who was killed while travelling in a United Nations vehicle in Kabul. Mr.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“I call on all stakeholders to enable the electoral institutions to exercise their responsibilities in full, including by addressing all complaints through the appropriate legal and institutional channels. Once electoral complaints have been adjudicated in accordance with the law, I urge the candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome. When the election is completed with credibility, it will become a milestone in the history of establishing a representative political system of the country. The war continues to take an appalling toll on civilians living in Afghanistan. The third quarter of 2019 saw the highest number of civilian casualties since the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan began systematic recording 10 years ago.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“It also added to the delay in the announcement of the preliminary results. However, the process finally resulted in the resumption of audit and recount in the remaining seven provinces yesterday, on 15 December. We now expect to hear the preliminary results in the near future. In the process, the United Nations technical experts and international commissioners have had extensive consultations and worked closely with the IEC and the ECC at both the commissioner and Secretariat levels. I acknowledge and commend the leadership exhibited by both the IEC and the ECC. I felt a strong sense among all stakeholders that Afghan ownership has to be maintained throughout the electoral process, and that the Afghan leadership and ownership of the process would need to take root in the Afghan political scene.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Deduplication of biometric data to identify multiple voters and data comparison between the tallied results and Digital Audit Verification Support System were completed. Their primary objective was to detect potential fraud and exclude fraudulent votes from the count. The Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) also adjudicated more than 4,000 election day- related complaints. Nevertheless, the electoral process has not been without problems. Some candidates and their supporters have expressed concerns concerning the technical aspects ofthe process and the lack ofpublic information. There have been numerous exchanges between the electoral management bodies and candidates, both orally and in writing. That process entailed the blockage of audit and recount in seven provinces by supporters of some candidates.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“The use of biometric voter verification devices seemed largely effective in detecting and deterring fraud, and several new monitoring mechanisms throughout the process have enabled the electoral management bodies to detect and eliminate multiple and fraudulent votes. Candidates and other political stakeholders have had far greater access to information than in previous elections. After election day, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) retrieved electoral materials and tallied results forms in the presence of candidate agents and observers. Results forms and data, which were electronically transmitted, were matched and processed at the newly established Digital Audit Verification Support System.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: When I previously addressed the Security Council (see S/PV.8613), the people of Afghanistan were preparing to vote in the country's fourth presidential election since 2001. The election took place as scheduled on 28 September. Turnout on the day was modest, dampened by security threats and low voter mobilization in many areas. The preliminary results were to be announced on 19 October. However, they are yet to be announced. The primary reason for the delay is to ensure that the electoral process is as transparent and credible as possible, even at the expense of time. From a technical perspective, the presidential electionthisyearimprovedconsiderablyonpastelections in Afghanistan, with much greater transparency.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“The final stages leading to the start of intra-Afghan talks become more difficult and require delicate handling. They require cooperation from all of us. The United Nations commends the efforts of all those concerned to bring about direct talks between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban and we in the United Nations will continue to assist such efforts.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“International assistance and mutual commitment to Afghanistan, starting from the ministerial meeting in Tokyo in 2012 to those in London, Brussels and Geneva, will need to be reviewed so as to meet the new requirements and situations brought about by peace. The United Nations, as the co-chair of the 2018 Geneva Ministerial Conference, is conscious of the need to work vigorously in that area, and we stand ready to work with the co-chair of the 2020 Ministerial Conference, yet to be chosen. I cannot stress enough the importance of advancing efforts for delivering peace, specifically the start of intra-Afghan negotiations. Examples from past peace negotiations from around the globe show that as the prospect for substantive talks becomes real, the challenges will become greater.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“While the search for peace goes on, let us not forget the millions of people across Afghanistan who suffer the consequences of conflict. United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations currently work in 331 of the country's 400 districts, in particular in the areas of agriculture, education and health. Their access and reach provide short-term relief as well as the building blocks for a better future. At the same time, it is never too early to start thinking about how to assist people following peace as well as while peace is being negotiated. The international community has already embarked on a study of post-peace assistance, led by the World Bank in collaboration with the United Nations and countries such as the United Kingdom.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The parties to the conflict must reduce the levels of violence and civilian casualties to demonstrate their seriousness for peace. I am much troubled by the continuing high number of civilian casualties from such attacks. In particular I must point out that the deliberate targeting of civilians is a matter of grave concern and that it is a war crime. The increasing number of civilians killed during search operations and air strikes is also of concern. I urge all parties to review the way in which they conduct their operations in order to protect civilians and to minimize the harm caused. In that connection, I am very concerned about the continued harm to civilians caused by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan Province, which is showing signs of its unabated and persistent intention to expand its influence.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The most difficult choice for candidates and politicians after elections is to accept defeat, but it is the supreme act of statesmanship in a democratic process. All technical and operational efforts are put in place to make the presidential election credible. I appeal to and urge all candidates and supporters to respect the democratic process to reach an outcome acceptable for the people and the country. Efforts for peace should be accompanied by a reduction in violence. Yet violence has intensified in recent days. Recent attacks by insurgents in Kunduz, Baghlan and Farah, and, above all, the multiple attacks in Kabul, are of serious concern. Trying to obtain the position of strength in negotiation cannot be an excuse for the escalation.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I should like to point out that the best technical preparations cannot substitute for the political commitment to play by the rules and accept the results of the elections. Candidates, political parties, civil society and the media all have the ability to field monitors for the process on election day. I therefore call on all stakeholders to obtain accreditation with the IEC in order to be present in every polling station. I also urge all actors to refrain from taking actions that could give any candidate undue advantage or call into question the legitimacy and credibility of the process. I encourage all stakeholders to bring cases of alleged violations to the relevant bodies, including the ECC.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Voter turnout could be negatively affected by security, but also by the general interest of voters. Through our field offices, we have a sense that interest in elections is not as high as it could be. That might be partly because there has been stronger interest in the peace process, but also because campaigns, which started on 28 July, have not picked up full momentum. I appeal to Afghan citizens to exercise their right to vote. Electoral bodies and the candidates also need to call on people to come out and vote. Another challenge that could affect credibility is the issue of fraud and irregularities, which includes the need to provide a level playing field for all candidates.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“There are serious efforts under way by Afghan security institutions, in collaboration with international partners, to ensure adequate security arrangements during the preparations and for the polling day. However, we still hear much anxiety expressed by Afghan citizens, particularly in view of the Taliban's stated threat to disrupt the electoral process, especially by targeting civilians participating in elections. Attacks directed against polling centres and civilians participating in the electoral process are unacceptable. They are clear violations of international law. I urge the Taliban to retract their threat, and I urge the Government to provide adequate security arrangements to safeguard the electoral process. Voter turnout is important for elections, and 9.6 million people have registered.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The timely roll-out of electronic technology is being managed by the IEC. The voters" list has been updated, and over 9 million records have gone through the public display and corrections process. Those are some examples of reforms that reflect lessons learned from last year's parliamentary elections. They and other measures will go a long way towards improving key aspects of fraud-mitigation measures designed to increase the transparency and credibility of the vote. Our United Nations advisers are working hand in hand with the electoral management bodies during these last weeks and days of intense preparation. However, concerns still remain ahead of the elections. One is security, another is voter turnout, and another is possible fraud and irregularities.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The United Nations fully supports the efforts of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC), security institutions, civil society and, above all, candidates, their supporters and voters to conduct credible and inclusive elections on schedule. Credible elections would provide an important political foundation for the future of the country as well as legitimacy and authority to the elected President, which will be particularly important in view of the anticipated peace process. As for the technical and operational preparations for the elections, which are led by Afghan institutions, things are so far on track. The ballot papers and other voter materials are being delivered to provinces and districts. The recruitment and training of polling staff is ongoing.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The United Nations stands ready to support an intra-Afghan process drawing on impartiality and expertise. I also wish to point out that peace efforts need to address and bring about a reduction in violence and an eventual ceasefire. Finally, the support of the countries in the region and beyond remains critical. Their active engagement in, and support for, peace efforts will be essential going forward, particularly from neighbouring countries that have the most to gain from peace and stability in Afghanistan. On 20 September, the people of Afghanistan are scheduled to head to the polls in the fourth presidential election since 2001, whereby the country will take another step in strengthening the foundation of a representative democratic political system.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Any political settlement must include a promise to continue to protect and advance human rights and fundamental freedoms for all who live in Afghanistan, including those of women, youth and minorities, as well as the freedom of expression the media. Another important achievement over the past 18 years, which needs to be maintained and further promoted, is the institutional capabilities of the State, including in the areas of security and service delivery. The recent informal talks between representatives from Afghan society and the Taliban in Moscow and Doha gave opportunities for dialogue to address some key issues needed for peace. I hope that that experience will be carried forward and help deepen dialogue for constructive outcomes.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Yet often the period just before coming to an agreement is the most difficult phase. All those concerned with peace efforts, above all the parties to the conflict, need to continue to work to bring about direct talks. I call on the parties to continue to seize the opportunity of direct talks so as to build a peaceful future. I have listened to many Afghan people from across the country who express their hopes and fears about the future. They hope for an end to the conflict, but they also fear that peace might come at the sacrifice of freedom and rights, which the country has striven to protect and advance for the past 18 years. Many young people of Afghanistan, especially young women, are worried about future restrictions on their participation in the social, economic and political life of their country.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: The events of recent days and weeks have shown more than ever the urgency of finding a political settlement to the long Afghan conflict. Efforts over the past year produced opportunities for peace, which created not only hope but also fear for many. But one point remains clear: the conflict can be resolved only by direct talks between the Afghan people. Those talks must be inclusive and must represent the whole spectrum of Afghan society. It is imperative, therefore, that direct talks between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban commence as soon as possible. Many efforts have been made for that purpose, working with Afghan parties, and have created an opportunity where the beginning of direct talks between the two Afghan parties seems to have come within reach.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Development partners have started to look beyond immediate needs and are exploring modalities for development assistance in a post-settlement context. But that important work can bear fruit only if a settlement is achieved. The road to peace is still long, but with our united support for Afghanistan's full ownership of the peace process, I am cautiously optimistic that we are moving in the right direction.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We cannot forget that 80 per cent of the country's people live on less than $1.25 per day and in extremely precarious conditions marked by climate change and war. The impact of last year's drought is still felt today, with up to 10 million people food insecure. Internal displacement remains high, with the single-largest cause this year being the fighting between the Taliban and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province. I am grateful to all donors who have already generously contributed funding for humanitarian programming this year. However, the response remains underfunded at 23 per cent, and I would ask again for the Council's support to boost funding. Afghanistan has vast economic potential, yet it remains untapped because of the conflict. The State has made progress in anti-corruption and public-sector reforms.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I am also concerned about increasing harm to civilians from search operations, as well as related human-rights abuses. I reiterate the need for more transparency and accountability surrounding such operations. The impact ofthe conflict on children is particularly alarming. Attacks on schools almost tripled between 2017 and 2018. Additional schools were closed due to insecurity, leaving almost half a million children unable to exercise their right to education. Schools used as voter registration sites and polling centres will be at enhanced risk in the upcoming electoral period. I urge all anti-Government elements to ensure that schools and health facilities used during the election remain protected from attacks, and the parties to the conflict to take the necessary measures to reduce the impact of the conflict on children and education.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The United Nations is also committed to giving priority to progress in the areas of women and peace and security, which are very important. We know from experience that this is the best and the only way to secure a sustainable peace agreement, and much needs to be done in that regard. Afghanistan's people have the most to win from an end to the conflict. But they are also the ones who continue to lose most. Afghan civilians lose their lives, children are kept from classrooms and people are deprived from fulfilling their economic potential. In the first quarter of this year alone, almost 1,800 Afghan civilians were killed or injured - less than in previous quarters, but still far too many. I should like to point out here the egregiousness of anti-Government elements deliberately targeting civilians. It is a war crime and must stop.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Initiatives such as these are a vital counterpart to global and regional efforts, where the United Nations comparative advantage of impartiality is of particular relevance. Only an inclusive peace process involving all those affected by the conflict- including women, youth, victims and business and religious leaders-can lead to sustainable peace. Afghan society will need to confront many difficult questions in a peace process, and much is at stake, such as the preservation of gains over the past 18 years; the role ofwomen; questions of accountability; and how to reintegrate those who carried arms. The United Nations stands ready to support Afghans as they tackle those fundamental issues that run through the very fabric of society.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We work on a broad spectrum of initiatives to help create the conditions for peace, ranging from support to Afghan grass-roots organizations and dialogue with all parties concerned, including the Taliban, to convening discussions on behalf of the international community. As we know from experience, even if an overall peace agreement is reached, implementation can be derailed by unaddressed local conflicts that have the potential to escalate. UNAMA has been working with local communities to support and strengthen their own mediation mechanisms so that they themselves can resolve their conflicts. As just one example, a 50-year- long dispute over water resources between two tribes in Nangarhar was resolved through local mediation supported by UNAMA. Women played an important role in building bridges across the communities.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I call upon all those countries with direct contacts with, or influence over, the Taliban to intensify their efforts towards that goal. But, ultimately, there is no substitute for the Afghan people taking ownership and advancing their inclusive dialogue towards a peace process. Government and political leaders must foster consensus and create structured arrangements to effectively represent the interests of all Afghan people in their engagement with the Taliban. Preparations for the presidential elections should not distract from that necessary work. The pursuit of peace is at the forefront of the work of the United Nations in Afghanistan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Afghanistan and some of its international partners, in particular Germany and Qatar, are preparing for an intra-Afghan dialogue, which would bring together the voices of people representing a wide spectrum of society. Some prominent Afghan actors have already had the opportunity to exchange views with Taliban representatives in Moscow in late May. All these efforts need to be directed towards one common objective: to start formal negotiations between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to reach a peace agreement. I am encouraged by signs ofincreasing consultations between the countries leading these initiatives in support ofa political settlement. The common message to the Taliban is clear: come to the table and negotiate directly with the Afghan Government.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Similarly, Government officials must respect the principle of non-interference and refrain from using their position or resources to support a particular candidate. This vital political groundwork needs to be laid now in order to ensure that the vote will be credible and the outcome accepted. Afghanistan cannot afford a contentious and protracted post-election crisis that could result in a presidency with brittle domestic legitimacy. This would also harm the new President's ability to bring the Afghan people together in a meaningful and representative peace process. Today the minds of the Afghan people and their international partners are more focused than ever on the need to reach a negotiated settlement. This momentum must not be lost. Direct talks between the United States and the Taliban continue, with broad international support.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“It is the responsibility of all political actors, including presidential candidates, and of security and Government agencies to ensure that the elections are contested on a level playing field. Iremind all candidates, and their supporters, of the code of conduct they signed when submitting their nomination papers. I also urge all actors to exercise restraint, to show respect for State institutions, most importantly for the Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission, and to refrain from taking any action that could give any candidate an undue advantage. As my predecessors in this forum have stressed ahead of previous elections, all candidates must have equal access to State resources.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“These preparations must include improved procedures for publishing voter lists in good time, the training of electoral staff, more robust outreach and voter sensitization, and the timely rollout of electoral technology. The United Nations is working with the Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission on all aspects ofthe electoral preparations, with more than 170 national and international staff. This includes four international non-voting commissioners, two for the Independent Election Commission and two for the Electoral Complaints Commission, who directly support the Commissions in their task. The political stakes are high, and the competition is intense.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Significant operational and technical challenges need to be overcome in order to deliver credible elections as scheduled. The Commission has made important progress in the past few weeks: the operational plan and the budget were finalized, and top-up voter registration started across the country in addition to full voter registration in Ghazni province. However, after last year's highly controversial parliamentary elections and the subsequent dismissals of all electoral commissioners, the most daunting task for the new electoral management bodies is regaining public confidence. The Commission needs to demonstrate that it can address the problems that marred the parliamentary elections and integrate the lessons learned into preparations for the upcoming vote.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The presidential elections scheduled for 28 September will be a key moment to reaffirm the legitimacy of Afghanistan's democratic political structure. Afghan citizens have displayed an enduring commitment to choosing their political leaders through elections in the face of threats and adverse security conditions. The electoral management bodies, State institutions, political leaders, candidates and international partners owe it to them to deliver credible and timely elections and to accept the outcome of this process. The decision of the Independent Election Commission to prioritize the holding of the presidential elections on 28 September gave much-needed clarity to the electoral calendar. However, timelines remain very tight.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: One year ago, the people of Afghanistan celebrated an unprecedented three-day Eid ceasefire across the country. Those moments of peaceful celebration gave them a glimpse of a life without conflict and allowed them to direct their gaze towards a more peaceful future. But the ensuing 12 months have also shown how arduous the path to peace is. Unfortunately, the Bid ceasefire was not replicated this year. Yet the foundations laid over the last year have not been lost. Six weeks ago, thousands gathered to exchange ideas on peace at the consultative peace jirga. Grass-roots movements continued to march for peace. But before I speak further about this progress, allow me to first update the Council on preparations for the presidential election.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The establishment of such a negotiating team will be critical to moving the process of peace further along. We have learned that a presidential decree was issued yesterday for the holding of a consultative peace jirga - a traditional assembly of leaders - in late April. We hope that this will help create a national consensus on peace through an inclusive process.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: I thank you, Madam, for the opportunity to supplement the briefing I made earlier. I would like to talk about Afghanistan's central role in the peace process. The peace process is about determining the future of the country and its people. Therefore, the centrality of Afghanistan in the peace process is imperative and the process must be owned by its people, including women. It is necessary that substantive talks on peace take place between the Government, representing a cross-section of the population, and the Taliban. Inclusiveness, coherence and representativeness in negotiations are critical to success. We understand that the Government is consulting widely to forge the negotiating structure, including a negotiating team, that will enable such inclusiveness with coherence.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Now is the moment for the international community to look at Afghanistan with renewed focus and reassess how we could contribute to the efforts towards peace and work with the people and the Government of Afghanistan to improve socioeconomic conditions and promote further development. This year is likely to bring both numerous challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Addressing the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities will require the concerted efforts of the international community, with Afghanistan in the lead.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“In order to tackle that complex issue, the whole demand and supply chain needs to be addressed as a responsibility shared among Afghanistan, its neighbours and the international community. Looking forward, Afghanistan and its international partners have begun exploring potential opportunities to expand development assistance in a post-settlement context. In order to contribute to sustainable peace, such assistance must build on existing achievements and deliver tangible benefits to those most in need. As the political situation evolves, the United Nations family remains committed to supporting the country's humanitarian and development. goals.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“While I wish to reiterate my gratitude to all donors that contributed generously last year, the response this year started very slowly; it currently stands at 4 per cent funded. I hope that the Security Council will also call on the international community to boost funding to address this critical situation without delay. The issue of narcotics is another major socioeconomic challenge. Despite a decrease in opium production in 2018, the significant levels of opium poppy cultivation and illicit trafficking in opiates remain a threat to stability in the country. While a drug-use survey has not been undertaken in the country for a number of years, indications are that an estimated 10 per cent of the adult population uses narcotics regularly.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“But even these figures do not capture the full human cost of the war. We must not forget the harsh realities of life for too many Afghan citizens. Today, over half the population in the country lives under the poverty line; the proportion increased from 37 per cent in 2014 to 54 per cent in 2018. Over the past year, severe drought has worsened living conditions still further; 13.5 million people in the country are severely food insecure. This means that they survive on less than one meal a day. The Government of Afghanistan, in partnership with the United Nations family, is doing what it can to address these urgent needs. Last year, the United Nations issued its humanitarian response plan which was 78 per cent funded, and this year we require $612 million.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“According to statistics provided by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, 2018 was the deadliest year on record for the Afghan conflict, with a total of 10,993 civilian casualties, including 3,804 civilians killed. In particular, the deliberate targeting of civilians is a war crime. The casualties caused by such attacks of Da'esh or the Islamic State-Khorasan Province more than doubled from 2017 to 2018, accounting for over 50 per cent of attributed attacks targeting civilians in 2018. Also alarming is the impact of the conflict on Afghan children. Last year, the number of children killed in the conflict reached a record high, with over 900 child deaths verified and thousands more injured, including by explosive remnants of war. They also remain vulnerable to recruitment and use by parties to the conflict.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source