Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on Afghanistan - June 21st, 2023

Madam President,

At the outset, my delegation expresses its condolences to the families of victims of terrorist attacks perpetrated in northern Afghanistan earlier this month. Brazil reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

I thank SRSG Otunbayeva and the president of SOLA, Ms. Basij-Rasikh, for insightful remarks, and as you said, Madam President, touching remarks.

The latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the UN in Afghanistan sheds light on critical areas of our political, humanitarian, and human rights efforts, and offers valuable recommendations.

We reaffirm Brazil's support to the implementation of UNAMA’s mandate and to the efforts of the international community in striving to usher peace, stability, and sustainable development to the Afghan people.

Brazil has consistently advocated for the strengthening of Afghanistan’s institutions, and the promotion of socioeconomic development, with the full inclusion of Afghan women and minorities. We consider that engagement with the “de facto” authorities, in favor of the Afghan people, is an important aspect of this process.

At the same time, Brazil joins the international community in calling on the Taliban to reverse their exclusionary and discriminatory policies against women and girls, in particular the ban on women's employment by the UN. Such policies stand stand in stark contrast to the UN Charter and the multilateral framework of human rights. They are also profoundly detrimental to the future of Afghanistan.

We remain deeply concerned about extremely serious humanitarian situation in the country. It is quite alarming that the number of people requiring assistance rose by half a million in the first half of this year alone, reaching a staggering 28.8 million by the end of May. The revised Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 is to be welcomed and it's proper funding vital.

In the face of such adversity, promoting food security in Afghanistan becomes paramount, especially if we consider that the country is grappling with its third consecutive year of drought and the looming threat of a devastating locust infestation that could severely undermine wheat harvests.

On the economic landscape, Madam President, we believe that stable and appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies, as well as a robust private sector are key to Afghanistan’s future. This is crucial to bring in investments in infrastructure and address challenges in the banking system to facilitate credit, as outlined in the UNDP's Afghanistan Socio-Economic Outlook for 2023.

In this context, I reiterate the importance of returning the Afghan assets held abroad. We commend initiatives such as a recent workshop spearheaded by the World Bank and aimed at identifying avenues for bolstering both international and domestic payment systems in the country.

In concluding, I reaffirm Brazil's readiness to continue working in the Security Council and elsewhere towards a future of peace, stability, and sustainable  development for all Afghans, without discrimination or exclusion of anyone or any group. Our solidarity with the people of Afghanistan remains resolute.

Thank you.