Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC's Afghanistan/UNAMA quarterly meeting - March 8th, 2023

Allow me begin by thanking our distinguished briefers for their important remarks and updates, which have certainly enriched our discussions and enlightened our perspectives on the matter at hand.

This first quarterly meeting of the Security Council on the work and activities of UNAMA and on the situation in Afghanistan in 2023 represents a crucial opportunity to lay out fundamental groundwork as part of our shared responsibilities, especially in light of the Mission`s imminent mandate renewal.

Based on our longstanding support for the essential role played by UNAMA in Afghanistan and on the broad endorsement of the mandate established by resolution 2626, including from key actors with deep knowledge of the situation on the ground, Brazil intends to favor its extension and we count on the guidance of the co-penholders in this regard. Once confirmed, we very much hope that this new cycle contributes to progress across all sectors of the Afghan society.

As stated in previous opportunities, Brazil firmly believes that a stable, economically viable and peaceful Afghanistan is only attainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, have access to and receive education, and fully, equally, and meaningfully participate in and contribute to the country`s future and development, in line with UNSC resolutions 1325, 2593, and 2626.

Similarly, the future we all seek for the Afghan people depends on the necessary respect for human rights law, as well as on the maintenance of the full scope of humanitarian assistance on the ground.

In this context, there can be no doubt that imposing restrictions on the work of humanitarian NGOs, both national and international, and denying the rights of Afghan women and girls, erasing their presence from public life, can only lead to further desperation and instability. We urge all parties to allow and facilitate the rapid, safe, and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to all those in need, to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel and persons in vulnerable situations, especially children.

For this reason, Brazil reiterates its appreciation to Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Under Secretary-General Martin Griffiths, UNAMA leadership and all partners and stakeholders for their recent and ongoing efforts to safeguard both the maintenance of crucial humanitarian assistance and the fundamental rights of women and girls in the country.

At this critical juncture, we once again urge the relevant authorities in Afghanistan to show the necessary goodwill and flexibility to urgently reverse the restrictive trend adopted thus far. At the very least, we call on them to remove obstacles to the delivery of aid and widen the civic space for women and girls.

Having said that, we remain convinced of the need for continued engagement with the "de facto" authorities". At the same time, we firmly believe that symbolic gestures, such as acknowledging improvements in the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, can go a long way in building bridges of mutual understanding and trust between Afghan leaders and the international community. Above all, ensuring that all channels of communication are open and running is key not only to uphold the rights of the all Afghans, but also to promote long-term peace, stability and development.

Mister President,

In line with our own longstanding tradition in international protection, the Brazilian government has decided to authorize humanitarian visas to people affected by the crisis in Afghanistan. Since September 2021, we have already authorized more than 8 thousand visas to Afghans in need, with special attention to requests from women and children.

As we remain one of the few countries in the world to grant visas without major requirements, we recall this Council on the centrality of the principle of responsibility-sharing in ensuring effective protection for displaced populations, with due consideration for the fundamental role of host countries and communities.

Both the maintenance of humanitarian operations and the wellbeing of women and girls must remain at the heart of our efforts to build a stable, functioning and self-reliable Afghanistan. Brazil reaffirms its steadfast commitment to continue to work on pursuing the eminent task of bringing peace and development to Afghanistan through our joint work and collective responsibility.

And I thank you.