The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Meeting under the 2023 Polish Chairpersonship in cooperation with Thailand. Thematic Discussion: “Ensuring Human Security through Promoting Humanitarian Responses in Cross-border Conflicts and Emergencies”

Statement of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for

Friday, 14 July 2023 at 10 a.m. in Hofburg, Ratsaal

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Poland and the Delegation of Thailand for co-hosting this second OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group meeting. I also extend my appreciation to all the esteemed speakers for their valuable interventions and perspectives.

I would like to acknowledge Thailand’s commendable efforts in Afghanistan, specifically in providing direct humanitarian support to the Afghan people. Thailand’s commitment to helping Afghanistan deserves recognition. Firstly, in September 2021, Thailand made a generous donation of 150 thousand U.S. dollars to the United Nations World Food Program, effectively providing food and essential supplies to the Afghan people. Additionally, in September 2022, Thailand donated 1,000,000 (1 million) Thai baht to the International Committee of the Red Cross directed towards supporting individuals impacted by the earthquake. Lastly, we wish to thank Thailand for making contributions to the OSCE Partnership Fund, intending to support projects under the RIAOR framework.

While we acknowledge the efforts of Thailand and other countries, it is crucial not to overlook the critical healthcare situation in Afghanistan, especially for women. The healthcare situation for women under the Taliban is dire. Women in Afghanistan face unequal access to healthcare. Under the pretexts of religion and concern for their “safety”, the Taliban has effectively confined women and girls within their homes. They are prevented from getting an education, leaving their homes without a male relative (maharam), working, and accessing healthcare services provided by men. These measures make it nearly impossible for women to access essential healthcare services.

Moreover, the impact of the Taliban’s military takeover in 2021 extends beyond the borders of Afghanistan, leading to a significant displacement crisis and a large wave of refugees seeking safety in other countries. This situation has created additional challenges for individuals such as asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced people, and migrant workers, along with other vulnerable groups. It is crucial that all OSCE participating States uphold their international obligations and work together to provide the necessary support and find long-term solutions to protect and assist those forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution, similar to the situation in Afghanistan.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that the OSCE possesses the potential to maximize existing mechanisms and initiatives to address these pressing challenges. The implementation of RIAOR framework is crucial in this regard. It is imperative that we extend our support to the Afghan people, aiming to improve their situation and ensuring their well-being and prosperity. The people of Afghanistan deserve a people’s-centric governing structure that is able to meet the people’s will, needs and aspirations.