UN supports Afghanistan in critical situations: Otunbayeva

KABUL (Pajhwok): Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UNAMA Roza Otunbayeva has renewed the pledge to work together in partnership and solidarity to build a better future for Afghanistan and its people.

Addressing a gathering marking the UN Day, she said: “As we mark United Nations Day, let us renew our pledge to work together, in partnership and solidarity, to build a better future for Afghanistan and its people.”

She said today was a celebration of the vision and goals of the United Nations Charter.

Otunbayeva said this charter included a vision for world peace and friendly relations between nations that work together to improve life, eradicate hunger, disease, illiteracy and respect freedoms and rights.

The UNAMA Chief said: “The United Nations has been a steadfast partner of Afghanistan for decades, since the establishment of UNAMA in 2002, we have worked tirelessly in challenging circumstances to help and support the Afghan people to achieve peace, security and development. Our work includes various sectors including Realizing human rights, good governance, peace and reconciliation, as well as providing humanitarian aid, mine clearance, and supporting economic development, despite this, we must admit our remaining shortcomings and challenges; Afghanistan is at a critical stage, although we welcome a period of relative peace and stability, but the humanitarian situation is dire”.

She added that the threat of natural disasters and climate change has renewed vulnerability and has made many families face more extreme poverty and food insecurity.

Otunbayeva said: “In addition, a large number of Afghans, especially Afghan women, face severe restrictions on their basic rights.”

Earlier, officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have repeatedly said that the rights of all Afghans were protected in the framework of Islamic Sharia Law.

She said: “UNAMA will continue its constructive and good faith interaction to find areas of interest to both sides to create an atmosphere of trust, we will do this through our presence throughout the country at the level of Kabul and through the Doha process and working groups in key areas. We will continue the concern of Afghans to support the transition of the opium economy for many farmers and help the private sector to find a role as an engine of economic improvement”.

She said A strong and professional media always plays a positive role in any society, promotes public discourse, culture and social cohesion and peace, and values ​​such as humanity, independence and neutrality are common values ​​between the United Nations and the media.

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