News

I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General Nicholas Haysom for the briefing. My delegation expresses appreciation for all important work you, UNAMA and all UN family are doing in Afghanistan. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union. Mr. President, Afghanistan is continuing its difficult transformation towards peace and self-reliance. The deaths of 16 civilians returning to their village by an IED in Marja district of Helmand province on 21 June, and  an attempted attack on the Afghan parliament earlier this Monday, injuring 31 civilians, are only some of the many reminders how challenging the situation remains. Against the daunting challenges, it is essential that the Afghan Government continues demonstrating its firm determination to end the conflict and improve the lives of its citizens.

We welcome the completion of the cabinet formation which, due to the nature of the National Unity Government, was a difficult yet absolutely necessary. We encourage Afghan leaders to complete pending officials’ appointments, including those in justice sector and at provincial level. The new leaders have delivered on their promise to appoint four women ministers. Besides, President Ghani has nominated first ever female Supreme Court judge in Afghanistan. I am sure they will be a valuable asset for government’s work and will also have a real impact on the promotion of women’s rights across the country.

It is crucial that the Unity Government creates an accountable, transparent and effective government. After decades of corruption and obscure dealings, Afghanistan is in a dire need of bold reforms. In this regard, President Ghani’s agenda “Realizing Self Reliance” as presented last year in London is the way forward. President’s initiatives to review government revenues and spending, to formulate 100 day action plans for each ministry and establish an independent anti-corruption commission are certainly steps in the right direction. It is crucial not to lose momentum and to persevere in their implementation, as these reforms will improve service delivery, increase citizen participation and strengthen their trust in the elected officials.

The need for advancement on electoral reform deserves a separate mention. While the establishment of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform provided a mechanism towards enhancing electoral integrity, the Commission has yet to start its work. The current mandate of the lower house of the National Assembly expires today, but the electoral calendar is still absent. This must be urgently addressed, along with the implementation of socioeconomic policies and development agenda. The counter-narcotics policies are to be advanced as well, including through creating incentives to farmers for legal livelihoods.

Simultaneously, existing security concerns need to be addressed, as continuing lack of  security may thwart progress in other areas.  As the Secretary-General’s report shows, the number of civilian casualties in the reporting period has increased by almost a quarter compared to 2014, continuing the trend of record high numbers. Anti-Government elements’ spring offensive has been more intensive than the year before, with a 45 percent increase in armed clashes. We condemn the continuing attacks by anti-Government elements and the deliberate targeting of civilians, including the 13 May Taliban attack on a Kabul guesthouse and those working in justice system. We call on all parties to comply with the international humanitarian law which prohibits attacks against civilians. In this regard, it is vital for the government to press forward an Afghan-led reconciliation and peace process.

More needs to be done in order to protect women’s rights and expand their access to justice. Reports estimate that up to 87 percent of Afghan women at least once have experienced domestic abuse. Domestic violence coupled with high maternal mortality, the lack of economic rights and limited opportunities for justice make Afghanistan one of the world’s most dangerous countries for women. The latest UNAMA report on violence against women shows that Afghanistan’s court system is failing to provide adequate access to women who are victims of violence. We encourage the Afghan government to strengthen access to justice system and increase women’s trust in legal proceedings which are often overshadowed by corrupt practices.

My delegation welcomes the first human rights dialogue between EU and Afghanistan which took place on 15 June in Kabul. We encourage further discussions in a cooperative spirit on the ways to improve human rights in Afghanistan.

Mr. President,

The future of Afghanistan depends not only on Afghans themselves but also on the actions of their neighbours. A peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan is in the interest of all the countries of the region. Lithuania commends the Government’s efforts aimed at improving relations with its neighbours bilaterally, including with Pakistan, and in multilateral cooperation forums, as activities under the Heart of Asia - Istanbul process.  Positive steps on peace and stability taken by  Afghanistan should be reciprocated with tangible actions from neighbouring countries. When it comes to practical examples, in 2012-2015 Lithuania provided funding for a regional project involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This initiative contributed to the development of a compatible veterinary control system in the four Asian countries, in line with the international standards and the EU legal framework.

Mr. President,

In June 2015, after thirteen years of active participation in Afghanistan, Lithuanian Special Operations Forces have completed the longest nonstop Lithuanian international mission abroad. The success of this mission is a result of an effective cooperation among the government of Afghanistan and the allies. As a result the Afghan National Security Forces have gained useful experience  needed to ensure the security of their country on their own.

Lithuania remains engaged in NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan which is one of the major commitments of the Alliance in 2015 and 2016. The  mission’s mandate will end in December 2016.  With this in mind, we need to discuss the further engagement of international community in Afghanistan after 2016. The international community has to continue assisting and supporting Afghanistan as it continues to build a secure and just future. We welcome the establishment of a Tripartite Commission as per Security Council Resolution 2210 to conduct an examination of the role, structure and activities of all United Nations entities in Afghanistan. We encourage all participants to actively engage in this process.

I thank you.