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Mr. President, I would like to thank the Special Representative Nicholas Haysom for his briefing. I also thank UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov for his briefing. I thank you, Ambassador Tanin, for the briefing and would like to congratulate and wish all the success at your new appointment. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union later today. A year ago the coalition government assumed its duties to lead a new Transformation decade in Afghanistan. This period has been crucial to build a strong foundation of the state, to demonstrate firm national leadership and the sense of ownership. There’s a sense of progress, albeit difficult and slow. Yet, it has been marred by the fiercest fighting by Taliban in many years, floundering regional integration of Afghanistan, poor growth of the economy, corruption, weakness in the rule of law.  

We wish to echo the calls for bolder reforms that would underpin the importance of the rule of law, human rights, accountability and justice. We commend Government’s endeavours to continue with reforms and finalise senior appointments. The public confidence about the future of Afghanistan will grow with administrative reforms promoting capacity building in anti-corruption, political participation and civil service. The earlier nominations of the first female nominee for a seat on the Supreme Court and for the Minister of Defence were rejected, regretfully, by Wolesi Jirga.

The UN has been in Afghanistan for over 50 years. UNAMA, the UN agencies and international community remain important at this stage to the long-term stability in Afghanistan. UNAMA’s field presence in remote regions of the country has been vital for achieving peace, self-reliance and growth in Afghanistan. The Tripartite Commission established under resolution 2210 has completed its work and its recommendations are before the Council. We look forward to discussing how best all UN agencies can assist the country in the future. Too many challenges in Afghanistan are of trans-national nature, thus increased emphasis will be required for UNAMA’s political good offices role in the region.

Mr. President,

Increased and indiscriminate targeting of civilians by the talibs and terrorists, and their deep involvement in the drugs trade are very disconcerting. Civilian casualties continue to grow (78 % increase in civilian casualties from complex and suicide attacks and 57 % from targeted killings), conflict becomes deeply entrenched. The geography of suicide bombings and complex attacks spread, in last months, beyond Zabul, Hilmand, Kabul, to many other areas. Children casualties have increased dramatically, making it the highest recorded since 2009. All parties must abide by the international law which prohibits attacks against civilians.

Commending the resolve of Afghan National Security Forces, we underline further the need for the Government to maintain the focus on building their capacity. A NATO-led Resolute Support Mission providing further training, advice and assistance plays a significant role. Exploratory negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan Government – a step towards peace – has stirred hopes of many in Afghanistan. The direct talks in July in Muree, Pakistan, were noteworthy. An inclusive peace deal should remain an ultimate objective, and we call regional partners to support President Ghani efforts.

Mr. President,

Security challenges undermine economic development. Poverty is rampant, as every third Afghan lives below the poverty line. The lack of economic opportunities and alternative livelihoods, debts of farmers, lack of access to credits, have created fertile ground for the cultivation of poppy. Afghanistan accounts for the staggering amount of 85 per cent of global opium production. We also note with concern Fedotov’s warning over a sharp increase in drug addiction, and concurrent dangers of HIV, in Afghanistan. The launch of the Ministry of Counter Narcotics, in collaboration with the United Nations, of the Afghanistan Drug Reporting System on 23 June, might prove to be a positive contribution.

Poverty goes hand in hand with illiteracy. Only 17 percent of the Afghan women are able to read. Afghanistan sadly ranks one of the worst countries for women in terms of access to education and healthcare, pervasive domestic violence against women. The Afghan Government has made some steps. We welcome the launch of Afghanistan’s National Action Plan on Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security for 2015-2022 as well as President Ghani’s pledge to ensure women’s participation in the peace process at all its stages. We also note the progress towards the establishment of Police Women Councils.

Restoring confidence in electoral system, independence of electoral bodies and a voter registry is key. The agreement between President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah to establish the Special Electoral Reform Commission is a welcome step. We urge Afghan leaders to set without delay the date for the Parliamentary elections, what would strengthen Afghans’ faith in their government and democratic process.

Regional efforts to establish peace and stability are critical. We commend recently held Regional Economic Cooperation Conference for Afghanistan the Sixth High-Level Ministerial Meeting.  Encouraging efforts were made by Afghanistan and Pakistan and we stress the importance of further constructive steps.

Mr. President,

Lithuania has contributed to the multinational efforts in Afghanistan since 2005 and remains its steadfast partner. We stand ready to support the people of Afghanistan. We look forward to resolute actions and strong leadership in Afghanistan.  The responsibility for the future of the country rests with the Afghans.

I thank you.