Thank you, Madam President.
Let me begin by welcoming you, Mrs. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, and the proposed focus of this session: women, peace and security. I would also like to thank the Special Representative, Ms. Roza Otunbayeva, for her presentation and commitment. We are also very grateful to Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, for her contribution which, while showing a dramatic situation, gives us hope that it can change. And finally, I would like to thank Ms. Mina for her poignant and touching testimony.
In 2020, four women peace negotiators participated in the intra-Afghan peace talks in Doha. The film “The Sharp Edge of Peace” documents their unwavering commitment. We hear them say: “My hope is that we will have an honorable peace. A peace we won't regret”.
Together with the members of this Council, Switzerland remains determined to continue its active support for Afghanistan, placing the interests, concerns and aspirations of the Afghan people at the heart of its action, to indeed work in favor of this “peace we won't regret”.
I would like to emphasize two points:
First, as underscored by the recommendations of the Independent Assessment of the Special Coordinator and Resolution 2721: Afghanistan's reintegration into the international community requires tangible progress in meeting its international obligations. Switzerland remains committed to this path towards an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors. We insist that these efforts must include the immediate lifting of all restrictions contrary to international obligations affecting the rights of women and girls and their fundamental freedoms, including compliance with or repeal of the new so-called "morality" laws. Accountability for human rights violations remains an imperative.
The country's major challenges, notably the convergence of economic, climate and security crises, can only be met with the active participation of women and the protection and respect of their rights. By denying girls access to education, the Taliban are denying an entire generation the opportunity to prepare for the future challenges facing their country, at a time when women's participation as workers, leaders and entrepreneurs is essential to revive economic activity. Their active participation in resource management is crucial to mitigating the environmental impacts exacerbated by climate change and strengthening community resilience. Their inclusion in all preventive measures and peace initiatives is essential if we are to succeed in the long-term fight against armed violence and terrorism in Afghanistan.
Together with Indonesia, Ireland and Qatar, my country is organizing an event next Monday entitled “Including women in Afghanistan's future”. On this occasion, we will hear from the women who took part in the 2020 talks and those who are currently working on the ground in Afghanistan. We must support women and amplify their voices, and we call on UNAMA to continue its strong commitment to them.
Second, Switzerland is committed to continuing its support for Afghanistan, in particular by strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations. It is a matter of deep concern that more than half of the Afghan population continues to depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this assistance, it is essential to ensure full, safe and unhindered access to populations in need. In this regard, and as the Secretary-General clearly emphasized in his report, the Taliban must lift restrictions on female aid workers and refrain from interfering with humanitarian operations. Violence against humanitarian personnel, their premises and property in Afghanistan has created a hostile environment for those working to protect the population. We insist that humanitarian personnel must be protected and respected at all times.
Madam President,
It is this hope of an honorable peace, in a country where the human rights and fundamental freedoms of each individual are respected, that must continue to guide our joint commitment. Switzerland will remain a reliable partner in this endeavor.
I thank you.