Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the situation in Afghanistan

Thank you Mr. President.

I want to thank SRSG Otunbayeva for her briefing today and for her work and contributions during her tenure. I also wish to thank Ms. Girowal for her messages, her requests and her statement. I thank you very much.

Mr. President,

Let me first extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to those affected by the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on August 31^st.  

Such natural disasters, compounded by adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation, underscore the urgent need for disaster risk reduction, as well as for strengthening early detection and rapid response. The resulting impact on an already dire humanitarian situation and fragile socioeconomic situation of Afghanistan should be addressed.

We emphasize the importance of ensuring safe, timely and effective access to life-saving assistance for all those in need, without any form of discrimination or hindrance.

Mr. President,

The overall situation in Afghanistan remains dire and deeply concerning. The interlinked risks associated with poverty and extremism – whether manifested through terrorism or the Taliban’s repressive policies – further threaten to isolate the country. The Taliban’s persistent restrictive policies and practices continue to affect severely the economic, social and personal lives of Afghans, particularly women, girls and members of minority groups.

Socio-economic exclusion of over half of the Afghan population undermines the scope and capacities of Afghanistan’s economic growth and development. It exacerbates security risks and contributes to instability. These measures also carry serious ramifications for the Afghan returnees.  

This is the third year since the ban on girls’ secondary and higher education. It is the third year of lost opportunities for the future.

Education is not a waste of time or resources. It is a fundamental right, including for Afghan girls. It brings a promising future for them individually, as well as lays foundation for a more stable, inclusive and prosperous society as a whole. Therefore, education is the most profitable investment.

We continue to call for this ban on education to be immediately reversed, together with all other discriminatory measures targeting women. In this context, we are deeply concerned by the UN reports about the suspension of their activities due to Taliban’s restrictions on Afghan female staff. We join UNAMA in calling for the immediate lifting of these restrictions to ensure the continuation of critical humanitarian support.

The lack of progress on this issue, despite previous engagement efforts – and coupled with the overall deterioration of the human rights situation – will inevitably affect the future course of action of the international community.

And while we continue to support a comprehensive and inclusive so-called “mosaic approach”, we must express our disappointment with the insufficient progress achieved so far.

Mr. President,

The path towards sustainable peace is paved with justice. No form of development can bring genuine social prosperity and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights if justice is not rendered. Lasting peace requires societies to heal, rebuild and establish trust between people and institutions.

Cycle of impunity must be broken. Impunity, including for grave breaches of international law, only perpetuates further suffering.

In this regard, the International Criminal Court plays a pivotal role at the international level in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes.

Slovenia welcomes the recent developments regarding arrest warrants for the Taliban leadership. They mark a milestone in seeking justice for serious violations and abuses against Afghan women and girls. Slovenia fully supports the continued investigations by the Prosecutor. No one is above the law.

I thank you.

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