On behalf of co-penholders Estonia and Norway, allow me to thank all Council members for constructively engaging in the process leading to today’s unanimous adoption of this resolution, which extends the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
With this, the Council sends a unified message that we stand behind the UN’s efforts in Afghanistan going forward.
The resolution ensures that the broad and flexible mandate of UNAMA can continue, including its mandate to:
· monitor and report on human rights, protection of civilians, and violations and abuses against children;
· facilitate and improve humanitarian access;
· and to support the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all levels of decision-making.
The situation on the ground is fluid – and these tasks may now face added challenges – but if anything, that makes them more important than ever.
President,
We are encouraged by the Council’s united decision to extend the UNAMA mandate. This is a vital step for the UN to stay and deliver at this critical time. We – the international community must be there for the people of Afghanistan in every way that we can –not only in words – but also in actions.
With more than 18 million people in need, we must scale up and ensure delivery of humanitarian assistance. We must insist on safe and unimpeded access for both female and male humanitarian staff, to carry out impartial humanitarian activities for all affected communities across Afghanistan.
President, colleagues,
Going forward, we will do our utmost to secure continued, united, support from the Security Council for the work of UNAMA and the people of Afghanistan.
The people of Afghanistan both need, and deserve, the full support of the international community.