PRESS RELEASE : This mandate renewal sends a clear message that we will not abandon women and girls in Afghanistan – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 March 2023.
Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
Thank you, President.
Restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls – across political, economic and social spheres – are becoming increasingly acute. Women continue to be erased from Afghan society. Girls are still barred from secondary school.
Today’s unanimous decision to renew UNAMA’s robust mandate sends a clear message: the international community will not abandon women and girls. The work of the mission in protecting, promoting and monitoring the rights of all Afghans, including advocating for inclusive and representative governance is more important than ever. And through it, we will work to hold the Taliban to account on its commitments.
The Taliban’s recent decree barring Afghan women from working for NGOs has also impacted humanitarian operations. This at a time when more than 28 million people, two thirds of the population, are in humanitarian need. We commend UNAMA’s ongoing work in leading and coordinating efforts to get aid to those who need it most, in challenging circumstances.
In closing, I want to pay tribute to the tireless work of UNAMA, UN agencies and NGO implementing partners on the ground, and to reaffirm the UK’s solidarity with the Afghan people.
Thank you.
