Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
September 17, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam President.
This Council has taken an important step to underscore the importance of the UN’s work in Afghanistan during this critical moment for the country. The UN has worked in Afghanistan since 1948. By extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan today, we demonstrate this body’s commitment to the UN’s vital role in supporting the Afghan people.
By extending UNAMA’s work as assigned in Resolution 2543, we are emphasizing the importance of the UN’s continued commitment to human rights, civilian and child protection, humanitarian assistance coordination, and countless other functions, which will be fundamental to the future of Afghanistan.
This text also underscores the UN’s role in advancing the human rights of Afghan women, children, and members of minority groups. This resolution recognizes that UN staff are working in deteriorating security conditions throughout the country. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of UNAMA’s national staff. The UN must protect them and their families.
As the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the United States is committed to UNAMA’s coordination function with partners on the ground providing food, protection, shelter, and essential healthcare, water, sanitation, hygiene services, and so much more vital humanitarian aid to Afghans.
Over the course of this six-month extension, we look forward to receiving reports from the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan, particularly for its vulnerable groups, and the UN’s own recommendations about what their role and future in Afghanistan will look like.
Madam President, we recognize that the current situation in Afghanistan is fluid and dynamic. But the UN’s role must always work to serve Afghans and advance their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will stand by them in this goal.
Thank you very much.
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