Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda item “The situation in Afghanistan”

I thank Special Representative Otunbayeva and Ms. Zubaida Akbar for your briefings.
 
Japan is deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation that the Afghan people, especially women and girls, are facing, and we strongly condemn the Taliban’s measures that restrict the rights of women and girls. Unfortunately, the Taliban has not been fulfilling its commitments to both the people of Afghanistan and the international community since seizing control. The Afghan people are losing hope for the future and are continuing to flee the country due to the Taliban’s repressive policies.
 
We are also seriously concerned about the dire economic and humanitarian situation. With over 28 million Afghans estimated to require humanitarian assistance in 2023, the international community must not be idle. Our assistance to the Afghan people should continue to enable them to not only survive, but also to have lives where they can receive medical care and education, obtain jobs, and rebuild their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. Otherwise, the humanitarian crisis will persist, the youth will become radicalized in despair, and we will see history repeat itself.
 
The Security Council must continue to urge the Taliban to reverse its repressive human rights policies. At the same time, it is important to avoid isolating the Taliban, as was done in the 1990s when Afghanistan became a hotbed of terrorism. What is required of us is not only to condemn the Taliban’s actions, but also to continue our engagement to change their course. Japan has been conducting dialogues in Kabul with Taliban leaders to deliver messages from the international community. In this regard, UNAMA’s bridging role is critically important to promote inclusiveness through dialogue with the people of Afghanistan.  
 
Japan has continuously supported the efforts of UNAMA in addressing the complex challenges faced by the Afghan people. At the same time, we hope that UNAMA will play its part in moving the political process forward in Afghanistan and need to be ready to support UNAMA’s efforts.  As co-penholder on Afghanistan, we appreciate the constructive engagement of the Council members in the ongoing negotiations on the renewal of the mandate, and look forward to expressing our unity toward our common objective for a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

I thank you.