Statement of the Embassy and Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome on the UN General

Assembly's Session on the Situation in Afghanistan

Rome, 15 November 2022

The Embassy and Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRoA) in Rome, Italy welcomes the recent resolution by the U.N. General Assembly, which reflects the continuation of the international consensus and solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.

We echo the resolution's concerns about the heinous attacks by terrorist groups against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have targeted educational facilities, diplomatic premises and personnel, and religious sites belonging to minorities, resulting in devastating consequences for victims and their families. This deplorable pattern reveals the Taliban's complete inability to address threats to security in Afghanistan, the region, and beyond.

We also welcome the resolution's highlight of the plight of internally displaced persons in and refugees from Afghanistan, as well as its strong emphasis on the need to investigate current and past violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights, facilitating effective remedies for victims and bringing those responsible to justice. In this regard, we reiterate our call

for the immediate establishment of an independent investigative mechanism, complementary to the investigation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Furthermore, we strongly support the resolution's emphasis on the need to establish an inclusive, representative, participatory, and responsive government, without any discrimination, and with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women, persons belonging to minorities, youth and persons with disabilities. We believe at the moment, it has become clear that the Taliban are unwilling and unable to uphold their commitments to the international community and their obligations to the people of Afghanistan.

However, while UN General Assembly’s efforts are greatly appreciated, the Embassy and Mission of IRoA in Rome believes that this resolution underscores the dire humanitarian situation, which continues to worsen, as millions, particularly women and children, face emergency levels of food insecurity. We emphasize the need to ensure aid is not diverted by the Taliban, and instead reaches all those in need. Moreover, while we appreciate generous and dedicated efforts to host refugees, we also remain concerned about their treatment and violations of the principle of non-refoulement. Recalling the obligations of States under international refugee law, we underline the need for stronger action at this critical time, as women, human rights defenders, journalists, and minorities remain at risk.

In line with other Embassies and Missions of the IRoA, this Embassy and Mission considers UN as a rare window of hope with a vital role and authority for protecting the people of Afghanistan. We once again appreciate the UN General Assembly’s efforts and reiterate our commitment to achieving a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan, which ensures the human rights, safety, and dignity of all its citizens.