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INTERVENTION BY

MR. AHMAD RADZI MOHD ZIM

LONG-TERM DELEGATE TO THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH

MR. RICHARD BENNETT

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFGHANISTAN

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 26 OCTOBER 2022

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia expresses its appreciation to Mr. Richard Bennett for his latest report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Afghanistan today is at a critical juncture. Malaysia is deeply concerned with the deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, primarily due to the precarious security situation, severe droughts and natural disasters, a food insecurity and malnutrition crises, as well as the imposition of unilateral coercive measures. We condemn the acts of violence and discrimination against women and girls as well as ethnic and religious minorities.

 

We believe that the international community, as well as United Nations organs and entities, must undertake necessary efforts to assist and support the people of Afghanistan. On our part, the Government of Malaysia recently made a contribution of USD200,000 through the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to assist victims of the earthquakes and floods in Afghanistan. Our non-governmental organisations are also actively channelling humanitarian assistance to affected populations in Afghanistan.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia remains committed to an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace and national reconciliation process. However, it is imperative that this process be inclusive and upholds human rights and fundamental freedoms, which include full and meaningful participation of women, youth and persons belonging to ethnic, religious and other minority groups.

 

As a fellow Muslim country, Malaysia is committed in continuing our efforts to have constructive engagement with Afghanistan and provide capacity-building programmes to its people, including under the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme. Recognising the importance of Track II diplomacy, Malaysia also stands ready to collaborate with third countries to provide humanitarian assistance, human capital development, and financial assistance to the people of Afghanistan through various non-governmental organisations.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has estimated that almost half of the Afghan population will face acute levels of food insecurity by next month. Our question to the Special Rapporteur is: cognizant of the tumultuous situation in Afghanistan, how can we ensure that international assistance is received by populations in need?

 

I thank you.