Permanent Mission of the I.R. of Afghanistan to the UN

Starting soon - UN Security Council Quarterly Debate on the Situation in Afghanistan. Live on UN WebTV: https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1h/k1hbwfgbzr

- . . ... . Ambassador Adela Raz delivered Afghanistan’s statement at the 59th Session of the Commission for Social Development highlighting how the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and digital divides between and within nations. To build back better, we need to expand access to digital technologies and promote social policies that address inequalities. Ambassador Raz also highlighted the Government's efforts to overcome the digital divide. Afghanistan is working with partners to act as a land-bridge for ICT infrastructure connecting Central and South Asia, delivering fiber optics internet and energy in both regions.

. . Afghanistan addressed the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) PrepCom and is proud to participate in the preparations for the conference. We thank UN OHRLLS for their efforts and Qatar for hosting. The International Community should agree to a transformative programme of action for LDCs to fulfill Agenda 2030 and all SDGs.

. . Afghanistan was re-elected as a Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and entrusted with the role of acting rapporteur. Afghanistan is committed to a two-state solution and an independent Palestine, with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.

. Ambassador Adela Raz briefed Member States on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and stressed the need for extraordinary assistance to mitigate the crisis and save lives. We thank UN OCHA and all partners for organizing the briefing, and Raouf Mazou and Ramiz Alakbarov for their insightful interventions.

Starting in 5 minutes. Follow the Humanitarian briefing on the situation in Afghanistan live on @UNWebTV: http://webtv.un.org//humanitarian-briefing-o/6225935552001