Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Quarterly Briefing on Afghanistan
New York, 8 June 2026
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank the Deputy SRSG, Ms Georgette Gagnon and the OCHA Director, Ms Edem Wosornu, for their important briefings, as well as Ms Metra Mehran for her compelling contribution.
We welcome the Secretary-General’s report and I would like to raise the three following points.
First, Latvia expresses its deep concern over the severe restrictions on humanitarian access and the growing security risks faced by humanitarian personnel. The humanitarian crisis, already affecting 45% of Afghanistan’s population in need of assistance, has been further exacerbated by the Taliban’s own actions and policies.
According to OCHA, around 70% of the 48 reported incidents disrupting humanitarian operations in April were linked to Taliban interference. Restrictions on women humanitarian workers and the ongoing ban preventing Afghan female staff from accessing UN premises are unacceptable and continue to be enforced despite the Council’s consistent condemnation. Hostilities, large‑scale returns of Afghan refugees and climate shocks have created a multi‑layered emergency, but humanitarian actors cannot respond effectively without safe operating space and predictable movement pathways.
Prolonged Afghanistan-Pakistan border closures by the Taliban further obstruct aid delivery. Unimpeded access must be ensured without delay.
We urge the Taliban to lift all restrictions obstructing humanitarian work, ensure the full participation of women humanitarian staff, and guarantee unfettered access for aid organisations across Afghanistan.
Second, the Taliban’s restrictions continue to deprive Afghans, especially women and girls, of their most basic human rights. These measures contradict the universal principles of dignity, justice, and education, as well as international human rights law.
On March 26, Afghanistan entered its fifth consecutive year in which girls are barred from schooling beyond grade six, a policy that has contributed to 2.6 million children being out of the classroom. It is a direct assault on girls’ rights and their ability to shape their own lives. Keeping women and girls from schools, workplaces and access to healthcare is also a permanent loss for Afghanistan’s future development.
While girls remain shut out of school, the Taliban have issued yet another decree, effectively lending legitimacy to child marriage. It sets no minimum age for marriage and includes provisions on separation for girls who reach puberty and are married, implying that this practice is permissible. Such a decree constitutes a blatant violation of children’s rights and undermines every international norm designed to protect them.
These decisions weaken and isolate Afghanistan, denying its people, particularly women and girls, of the future they deserve. We call on the Taliban to reverse these policies immediately.
Third, the UN‑led Doha process remains the key forum for shaping a coordinated international approach to Afghanistan. Dialogue with Afghan civil society, including women’s organisations, is vital, especially at a time when civic space in Afghanistan continues to shrink. We commend UNAMA’s outreach efforts, including engagements with civil society, women activists, tribal elders, journalists, and other groups, as well as meetings with youth across 10 provinces conducted this year. In this regard, the timely appointment of a new SRSG for Afghanistan to lead the political process is crucial.
Among the many issues, the Taliban must urgently address counterterrorism. Afghanistan cannot become a safe operating space for actors that threaten regional stability, security and the Taliban must demonstrate through real, verifiable actions, that they are preventing such activity.
As hostilities between the Taliban and Pakistan persist, we call for continued dialogue, de-escalation, and the protection of civilians to remain central in all actions taken.
President,
Afghanistan demonstrates what the Women, Peace and Security agenda has long affirmed: there can be no peace, no stability, and no sustainable progress where women are denied their rights and excluded from society. Latvia will continue to speak up for Afghan women and girls and will unwaveringly support the important role of UNAMA with a strong mandate.
I thank you.