Statement by H.E. Andrejs Pildegovics of the Republic of Latvia at the
Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan
1 February 2023, New York
Mr. Chair,
I thank the Under-Secretary-General Mr. Martin Griffiths for convening this timely briefing and the briefers for their updates on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
The dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is not only a human catastrophe, it is actively reversing many of the gains of the last two decades, including around women’s rights. Latvia is deeply concerned by reports of significant violations and abuses of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan - threats to their life, safety and rights to education, work and full participation in civic life. Almost-total erasure of half the population – women and girls – from public life is a staggering human rights violation and a setback to be felt throughout the population for years to come as in many cases some humanitarian services can be provided only by female humanitarian workers and some women are the sole breadwinners in their families.
Recent ban by Taliban on women's access to universities and engagement in NGOs undermines their capacity to prosper and deprives Afghan population of lifesaving humanitarian services. In addition to drought, climate change, food insecurity, economic shocks and volatile conditions for humanitarian workers, decisions like these will further deteriorate humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Spaces for humanitarians to continue their work, must remain open and safe, providing unhindered access for all aid workers, including women.
Let me stress the central and impartial role of the UN in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. We commend the recent visit of the Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina Mohammed and the Executive Director of UN Women Ms. Sima Bahous to Afghanistan to appraise the situation, underscore UN’s solidarity with the Afghan people and call on Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban authorities to reverse the course on recent decrees limiting women’s and girls’ rights. As a member of the CSW Bureau and UN Women Executive Board, Latvia supports UN Women’s efforts to ensure that women and girls reclaim their space in contributing to the future of Afghanistan. This pressing issue must be adequately addressed during the forthcoming CSW 67th session next month.
There is no doubt about the extraordinary resilience of Afghan women and girls. They have demonstrated active and tireless efforts to shape the future of their country and alleviate humanitarian hurdles. We must continue to show our unwavering support to full, equal and meaningful participation and representation of Afghan women in all spheres of life and prevent the shrinking space for Afghan female aid workers.
I thank you!