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Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the United Nations Statement by H.E. Ms. Raimonda Murmokaitė Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Nations UNSC Debate on UNAMA, Afghanistan March 17, 2014 I would like to thank Special Representative of Secretary-General Jan Kubiš for the briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and express appreciation for your work as Head of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. I would like to extend my delegation's condolences over the tragic loss of lives of the United Nations family members and all other victims of the brutal attack on 17 January in Kabul. We pay tribute to the dedication of all international staff facing continuous security challenges and risking their lives to help the people of Afghanistan. Lithuania is firmly committed to contributing to building a peaceful and stable future of Afghanistan. Since 2005 we've been leading a Provincial Reconstruction team in Chaghcharan, the provincial capital of Ghor. Our goal of assisting Afghan people in building a secure, democratic, inclusive and self-sufficient Afghanistan remains unchanged.

Madame President,

This year, Afghanistan stands at a critical milestone. The presidential elections scheduled for April 5 will lead to the power being transferred from one elected president to another for the first time in the history of Afghanistan. We welcome the advancements in the electoral process made through the timely adoption of legal framework, functioning of established electoral bodies, declared non-interference by the Government, vigorous political campaigning and enhanced public outreach throughout the country.

An important development of this campaign is the progress in assuring female participation in the upcoming election. 35 percent of new voter registration cards were distributed to female voters. 13,000 women searchers were trained to work in polling centres on the election day We hope this elections will see the highest number of women participating.

We also salute women candidates to the position of vice-president as well as over 100 women provincial council candidates. Ensuring the safety of women candidates and voters is key to make sure that the outcome of this election represents the will of the entire nation and engages the full potential of Afghanistan’s women in building its future. Security during campaigning and on the day of voting remains a major concern and must be addressed with all due seriousness.

UNAMA’s support to Afghan-led elections living up to inclusiveness, transparency, credibility, and legitimacy standards is of critical importance. We welcome the fact that Afghan authorities are encouraging election observation, including international, and the invitation extended to EU and OSCE observer teams.

Madame President,

The limited progress towards the establishment of a peace process with the armed opposition continues to be an issue of concern. Stressing the importance of an inclusive Afghan-led process, we call on UNAMA to continue facilitating local dialogues on reconciliation. UNAMA’s initiatives aimed at mitigating inter-ethnic and inter-tribal tensions, linking government officials, community leaders, religious scholars, and civil society, including women is welcomed and need to continue.

Serious concerns remain about the security situation in the country. The gradual withdrawal of international troops has left Afghan government forces more vulnerable to attacks by insurgents. Due to the rise in casualties, 2013 was the second most violent year since the fall of the Taliban regime. UNAMA’s secure functioning, especially that of its field offices, is also directly impacted by the withdrawal of international forces.

Armed clashes and improvised explosive devices account for 75 per cent of deaths. It is particularly troubling that casualties among children increased by more than a third, compared to 2009. About three-quarters of the death toll is attributed to the Taliban. Reduced civilian suffering and fewer civilian casualties together with improvements in human rights protection should be the core principles of improved stability and security for Afghanistan in 2014. My delegation would support tracking civilian casualties disaggregated by gender.

The anti-government elements targeting of government institutions and international community is totally unacceptable. The efforts by Afghan forces to counter such attacks are crucial. However, further international assistance in support of the Afghan army and police forces will remain essential. Lithuania has pledged to contribute its support to ANSF support with a new training mission after 2014, once the necessary legal framework is in place. As an ISAF country we encourage our Afghan partners to finalize the conclusion of the SOFA agreement.

Madame President,

The progress made by Afghanistan in ensuring human rights remains fragile. We urge the Afghan government to take the necessary steps to support Independent Human Rights Commission so it can fulfill its critical role.

Violence against women in particular reached record levels in 2013, according to the Independent Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan. A major concern is the failure to enforce the law on the elimination of violence against women which leaves perpetrators at large. Too many victims of violence keep silent for fear reprisals. We commend the decision of President Karzai not to sign the current draft Criminal Procedure Code into law as it would limit women's rights to seek justice. UNAMA must continue its work in identifying challenges as well as remedies regarding national and international efforts to advance women's rights and women's participation in the political, economic and social life of the country.

Attacks on schools, teachers, and students continued unabated by the Taliban and other armed groups. Such violence is interfering with access to education, and in some areas actually rolled back progress already made.

A particular point of concern for my delegation is the increase by 36 percent of opium cultivation in 2013. Given the nexus between drug trafficking, arms, and violence, we stress the importance of more resolute measures and Afghan initiatives aimed at accelerating counter – narcotics policies, with including implementation of National Drug Control Strategy, as well as efforts aimed at addressing the flourishing illicit economy and corruption. In all of this, UNAMA has an important role to play.

Madame President,

Strengthening Afghanistan’s regional ties is vital for its long-term stability. Active Afghan leadership within the Istanbul process and bilateral steps to engage with neighboring countries, including increased recognition of shared interests with Pakistan, is welcomed by my delegation.

Lithuania is committed to long term development of Afghanistan through EU and bilateral development projects focusing on good governance, capacity building, and infrastructure. UNAMA has a vital role in ensuring effective coordination of donor assistance, especially implementing mutual commitments made at Tokyo in 2012 through Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework.

Madame President,

To conclude, UNAMA presence in Afghanistan is perceived by the Afghan people as an overall stability factor and an indication of long term commitment by the international community. UN must continue its presence in Afghanistan to ensure that the gains of more than a decade aren’t lost and all sacrifices of human lives were not in vain. We welcome the UNAMA mandate extension and call to implement, especially in field presence, with determination. Assisting Afghans in challenging transformation decade is our responsibility.

I thank you.