75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council on UNAMA
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
September 9, New York
Thank you Special Representative Lyons, Ms. Frogh and Ms. Yousafzai for your briefings.
It has been less than two weeks since we last met to discuss Afghanistan. One of the welcome developments in the meantime has been the flash appeal for aid to address the increasingly precarious humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Even before the recent surge in hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was one of the worst in the world. Together with the ministerial meeting hosted by Secretary General Guterres next Monday, we hope this will provide for the necessary increase in aid to the people of Afghanistan. We understand that the first humanitarian aid flights and shipments have already arrived in Afghanistan. However, inside the country, the delivery of aid still faces obstacles, notably in the delivery of essential health services for women and girls, who have been particularly impacted by the changes of the last three weeks. Estonia reiterates its call on all parties to allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other actors providing assistance, including for female aid workers to deliver aid to those in need.
Mr. President,
In Estonia, the start of September means the start of a new school year for our children. This year, especially today on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the eyes of the world are watching whether all girls of Afghanistan will be able to continue with their schooling safely; And whether their mothers and all other Afghan women will be allowed to continue moving about freely and participating in employment.
Estonia’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan remains. However, our cooperation with any Afghanistan leadership will be based upon its willingness to uphold the positive achievements of recent decades and act by the norms and standards of international law, including international human rights law. Violations and abuses of human rights must stop and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. In particular, we condemn the recent use of violence against peaceful protestors and also journalists, for whom Afghanistan continues to be one of the top most dangerous places in the world to work in.
Mr. President,
The Taliban, having declared control over Afghanistan, bear great responsibility for and accountability to the Afghan people. Here, the make-up of the caretaker government has been noted with great disappointment. Ignoring the diversity of the people of Afghanistan and excluding women are clear decisions that go against the expectations of the international community, undermine women’s right to full and equal participation in decision-making, but also fuel concerns over continued future instability in the country. These steps also do not match earlier public statements made by Taliban, thereby undermining confidence in their other claims. Estonia would emphasize here again that sustainable peace in Afghanistan can only be ensured through an inclusive political settlement that upholds the constitutional protections for the rights of all people of Afghanistan, particularly women, children and persons belonging to minorities.
I would end with a special “Thank You” to the staff of UNAMA and the broader UN in Afghanistan, whose efforts for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan have been vital during this time of crisis.
Thank You.