Remarks by Minister Carlos França at the G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Meeting on Afghanistan

Mr. Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi,

Madam and gentlemen leaders of the G20,

It is an honor to take part in this Extraordinary Meeting, I must say, the first one held by the G20 with its focus on the situation of a specific country.

Brazil shares the concern already expressed by the UN Secretary General and by many of the leaders present here, that a humanitarian crisis of striking proportions could befall Afghanistan, aggravating the suffering of its population, which already undergoes a situation of great uncertainty concerning its future.

We are also concerned about the potential consequences for peace and security in neighboring countries and beyond, including risks associated with human rights violations, especially against women and girls, as well as with the spread of terrorism, the expansion of drug trafficking and the intensification of migratory flows.

The international community cannot leave behind those Afghan families that have suffered unspeakable losses and are still in very vulnerable conditions, particularly in view of the ominous first signs in that country concerning the rights of women to study and work.

Nonetheless, the role of the G20 in this context should be carefully reflected upon. Brazil understands that the role and the responsibilities of the United Nations on these matters must be upheld, including those of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, among others.

We should listen, in particular, to the views of countries in the vicinity of Afghanistan, who know the situation better and have skin in the game, so to speak, as regards the situation.

The G20 shall support the current efforts made by the United Nations Secretary-General and by his Special Representative and Head of UNAMA, Deborah Lyons, a mission whose mandate has been extended for six additional months last September by the Security Council Resolution 2596.

In our vision, the G20 must focus on its core capabilities, through the mobilization of international economic, financial and development cooperation. Herein lies this group’s strength and ability to deliver.

Brazil does support joint actions of G20 countries in favor of mobilizing resources for humanitarian assistance, under the coordination of the United Nations, and for the work of UN agencies in the field. It is essential to promote actions to ensure the population's access to means of livelihood; to guarantee the mobility of goods and people, especially through the Kabul Airport; and to foster engagement and give support to neighboring countries.

Mr. Prime Minister,

At a time when Brazil is preparing for its eleventh term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Brazil will continue to closely monitor the situation and will support initiatives that contribute to peace and development in Afghanistan.

We understand that such initiatives must be built with direct participation of the Afghan people, in their diversity. The establishment of an inclusive government is, therefore, crucial for stabilizing the country and its economy.

Brazil has long contributed, within our possibilities, to improving living conditions in Afghanistan through financial contributions and technical cooperation programs. Now, the government of President Jair Bolsonaro has started a humanitarian visa and residence permit program for Afghans and people gravely affected by the instability that disrupts Afghanistan.

We will give special attention to requests from women, children, the elderly, threatened minorities, people with disabilities and their family groups. These are concrete measures of solidarity by the Brazilian government towards those in need of international protection.

Dear G20 leaders,

On behalf of President Jair Bolsonaro, I reaffirm Brazil's determination in contributing to mobilize international economic and financial cooperation for the humanitarian emergency that lies ahead, as well as for promoting the economic and social development of Afghanistan. I am confident that we will find the best way to achieve this goal.

Thank you.