Statement by

H.E. Mr.  Majid Takht Ravanchi

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

 At the Afghanistan Conference 2022: High-level Pledging Event

on Supporting the Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan

New York, 31 March 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Excellencies,

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate and Afghanistan is currently confronted with enormous challenges, opportunities, fears, and hopes. Under the current difficult situation, the international community is expected to partake in helping the people of Afghanistan to overcome the challenges, use the opportunities, win over their fears, and increase hope for a brighter future.

As a neighbour to Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran has stood by the people of Afghanistan and used its capacities and resources to help them overcome the challenges they have faced over the past four decades. We have been hosting millions of refugees who have unfortunately received minimal international assistance in the last 40 years. This is just one example of how my country has, more or less single-handedly, helped the people of Afghanistan. In the course of last several months, Iran has provided more than 30 consignments of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

The financial support provided by the international community to the people of Afghanistan is critical in helping Afghanistan to get through the current difficult situation.

The seizure of frozen assets belonging to the people of Afghanistan is unlawful. It is critical to release all these assets immediately.

Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure hope for the future among the people of this country, especially among the younger generation who will lead Afghanistan in the future. This would not be possible unless an inclusive government is established and sufficient attention is paid to Afghanistan’s political and social structures that can involve people from all walks of life including ethnicities, men, women, and youth.

Finally, I would like to reiterate my country's willingness to work with the international community to assist the people of Afghanistan to overcome the current challenges they face.

Thank you