Tale til konferencen "Et år efter - det humanitære imperativ i afghanistan"

Afholdt d. 15. august 2022 i FN-Byen Af Flemming Møller Mortensen

[Det talte ord gælder]

Excellencies, colleagues,

Thank you to the organizers, the World Food Program and the Danish UN Association, for bringing us together.

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Today marks one year since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

A year that has confirmed some of our worst fears.

But also demonstrated the will of the international community to continue supporting the Afghan people.

The attention of the world is drifting away from Afghanistan to other – and newer – crises.

But we must not, and have not, forgotten our engagement and the efforts still needed in Afghanistan.

The humanitarian situation is truly devastating.

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The country is facing three parallel crises:

A humanitarian crisis.

A security crisis.

And a rights’ crisis, where women and girls are especially impacted.

Taliban’s actions have confirmed our fears when it comes to women’s and girls’ rights. Their behavior goes against everything that Denmark is fighting for.

The humanitarian needs are staggering. Especially the number of people living in food insecurity is shocking. In this respect, I want to recognize our host today, the World Food Program (WFP), for the excellent work you do.

In addition, the economic and financial challenges are enormous - the public sector is not able to deliver basic services to the population.

We, the international community, play a role in avoiding a total collapse of the country.

The security situation is an additional challenge for all the humanitarian workers trying to help. We must not forget their courage and strength.

The country is also facing natural disasters, with increased frequency and intensity. This adds another layer of complexity to the aid work done in Afghanistan.

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In the past year, we have seen the international community adjusting its activities and coming together to help the Afghan population.

This collaboration must continue. And we must strive to always do more, and better.

In 2021, Denmark supported the Afghan people at an all-time high level of 69.3 million dollars [500 million Danish kroners]. This year, Denmark has committed to continue our support with a total of 48,5 million dollars [350 million Danish kroners].

We provide support through our UN partners and our Strategic Partners among the Danish NGOs without contributing to, or recognizing the Taliban government.

Our efforts continue. And always jointly with our international and civil society partners.

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Looking ahead, the winter will be coming soon. Making it impossible to access some parts of the country.

It is important for the colleagues on the ground to prepare early.

And important that donors provide necessary funding in time for the winter.

The human rights situation will remain grim.

Denmark will continue to look for ways to promote human rights, especially for women, girls and vulnerable groups.

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Development has gone in the wrong direction during the past year.

Still, during the past 20 years in Afghanistan, our efforts - donors, the UN, NGO’s and others - have planted seeds of hope among the population, especially among the large, young generation in the country.

The young, the women, human rights activists, journalists and other strong forces within the country continue to work for a peaceful and equal Afghanistan.

They will not give up, and they have Denmark’s support.

Thank you.