Highlighting our efforts to avert humanitarian catastrophe and economic collapse in Afghanistan

Thank you, President.

Let me first join my colleagues in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan for the suffering caused by the devastating earthquake. As my ministers have said, the UK stands ready to support them at this difficult time. The UK is one of the biggest donors of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, and we are already working with teams on the ground, including the UN, NGOs and the Red Cross to provide aid. help those who need it most.

Allow me also to thank DSRSG Alakbarov and USG Griffiths for their briefings – and in particular our civil society informants, whose testimonies are powerful and moving.

The humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan remains critical. More than 24 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian assistance and nearly 20 million face acute food insecurity. Urgent action is needed to avert humanitarian catastrophe and economic collapse.

Strong UN leadership remains crucial to coordinate support from the international community and negotiate effectively with the Taliban to ensure principled humanitarian access across the country.

The UK remains committed to the Afghan people. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs co-hosted the United Nations conference for humanitarian donors on March 31, raising $2.4 billion. We committed $380 million nationwide in assistance this fiscal year to meet basic humanitarian and human needs.

We strongly support the 1988 sanctions regime as an essential tool for promoting peace, stability and security in Afghanistan. The humanitarian exception ensures that the regime poses no obstacles to the provision of humanitarian assistance and other activities that meet basic human needs.

President,

economic stability and the provision of basic services are essential to ending the cycle of humanitarian need and suffering. We support the leadership of the United Nations in this regard and stress the need for the Taliban to honor their commitments to the Afghan people and the international community.

As Ms Hakim and Ms Royan have told us today, women and girls in Afghanistan face unacceptable restrictions on their freedom of movement and dress, as well as on access to education, jobs and services. Educated women and girls able to participate fully in society will contribute to economic development, peace and security.

The UK is deeply concerned about the serious allegations of extrajudicial killings, detentions and disappearances of Afghans, including civil society activists, former members of the security forces and government officials.

Reports of terrorist attacks have also increased. Terrorist and narcotic threats from Afghanistan represent a risk, not only for the country, but also for regional security.

Mr. President, the role of the United Nations remains more important than ever. We pay tribute to the work of Deborah Lyons and look forward to working with the new management team.

The international community must continue to speak with one voice to pressure the Taliban to meet their commitments and advance shared human rights, humanitarian access, counter-terrorism and governance goals. more inclusive.

I thank you.