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Thank you Madam President,
Denmark welcomes the unanimous adoption of the renewal of UNAMA’s mandate and thank China as penholder for their dedicated efforts.
With this resolution, the Security Council reaffirms its united support for UNAMA’s vital work in Afghanistan. This importantly includes:
· Monitoring and reporting on human rights, protection of civilians and violations and abuses against children;
· Facilitating and improving humanitarian access for all, including women;
· And supporting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, civil society and minorities in all diplomatic efforts and decision-making.
Madam president
As the Taliban continues their systematic restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women and girls, Denmark has attached particular importance to preserving UNAMA’s core human rights functions, including the promotion of gender equality and Women Peace and Security.
We therefore welcome the retention of references to resolution 1325 and related resolutions, and stress the importance of implementing these commitments across UNAMA’s work.
Denmark remains deeply concerned by the growing risk of reprisals, violations and abuses against women and girls, children, journalists, human rights defenders, health workers and others. The recent arrests of women and use of lethal force against protesters in Herat are a stark reminder of this reality.
While we regret that these concerns could not be reflected explicitly in in the resolution, monitoring and reporting on these developments will remain a central component of UNAMA’s mandate.
Madam President,
As the Council has repeatedly underscored, there is no sustainable solution to Afghanistan’s challenges without a credible political path forward.
Afghanistan cannot move closer to international reintegration while the Taliban continues to systematically deny women and girls their fundamental rights and freedoms.
We therefore reiterate our call on the Taliban to heed this Council’s demands and comply with international human right obligations.
Madam President, in closing we urge the Secretary-General to appoint a new SRSG without delay. Strong leadership will be critical to ensuring effective implementation of the mandate, advancing political engagement, and maintaining momentum behind the Doha Process.
I thank you.
