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

Thank you, Mr. President.

I deliver this statement on behalf of the United Arab Emirates and Japan as co-penholders on Afghanistan. We thank Mozambique for convening this meeting, and all members of the Council for their constructive engagement.

We have before us two draft resolutions on Afghanistan today.

The first draft resolution is for a renewal of the robust mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), allowing it to continue its work for another twelve months.

Afghanistan faces enormous challenges. The dire humanitarian and economic situation is compounded by Taliban’s decisions that deny opportunities for education, employment, and freedom to women and girls. The threat of terrorism also persists. All of these have a devastating impact on the people of Afghanistan.

The role of UNAMA is becoming more important and indispensable at this time of crisis. All the components in the mandate for UNAMA are crucial in addressing complex challenges faced by Afghanistan, including promoting inclusive political dialogue, monitoring and reporting on human rights, facilitating humanitarian assistance and addressing economic and social challenges, and countering terrorism and narcotics. We sincerely hope that all Council members will support the mandate renewal.

The second draft resolution will call for an independent assessment on the international approach in Afghanistan. This initiative would provide forward-looking recommendations on how relevant political, humanitarian, and development actors could address the existing challenges in an integrated and coherent way.

The adoption of the two draft resolutions would send a strong signal to the international community that the Security Council is
united in our unwavering support for UNAMA, as well as our commitment to a secure, stable, prosperous, and inclusive future of Afghanistan and its people.

I thank you, Mr. President.