Remarks of SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-Level Meeting on Colombia 11 July 2024
As delivered
Mr. Chairman,...
Remarks of SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-Level Meeting on Colombia 11 July 2024
As delivered
Mr. Chairman,...
UN humanitarians “remain gravely concerned” over the daily fighting that continues to rage in and around the Sudanese city of El Fasher, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Thursday.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday demanded that Russia immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and unconditionally withdraw all military forces from Ukrainian territory.
Although substantial progress has been made in implementing important aspects of the Peace Agreement in Colombia, challenges still remain, the head of the UN Mission in the country said in a briefing to the Security Council on Thursday.
When applied to conflict mediation and peacebuilding settings, Virtual Reality (VR) can help conflict parties step into their opponents’ shoes and enhance reciprocal understanding of local communities. In this story, we look at the impact and potential of VR communication in mediation and peacebuilding.
Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive medium that gives the user the sense of being in a different place or time thanks to computer-generated graphics or 360-degree real-world video footage. In the United Nations, it is being used by those involved in conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts to share perspectives and nurture mutual understanding.
Recognizing the possible value of VR in pursuing peace and security, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) has integrated the technology into parts of its work. Since 2019, DPPA has produced a series of VR films in collaboration with its special political missions (SPMs). The aim is to get a better understanding of the life of communities affected by conflict and promote engagement among stakeholders.
The 2019 VR series titled Pathways Colombia, for example, showcases, in a personal and empathetic way, the post-conflict reintegration of former combatants as well as justice efforts, with the aim of fostering support for peace processes.
Virtual reality can also be used to simulate possible scenarios for mediators and support decision-making, allowing policy makers to experience situations on the ground with unparalleled immediacy, short of traveling.
“Pathways Colombia was developed with an international audience in mind, to give diplomats in New York and around the world an idea of what it is like to be on the ground in Colombia,” explained Constanza Rubio Garcia, strategic communication officer of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.
“The response was very positive, as many ambassadors involved in discussing peace and security matters in Colombia had never been to the country,” she added.
Member states support this approach.
“At the German Mission, we made the experience that VR technologies present opportunities to immerse ourselves and our partners in local realities,” Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN in New York Thomas Zahneisen told Politically Speaking. “This makes them a cost-effective way to help with timely and impactful decision-making.”
One benefit that VR communication tools can introduce in peace processes is shifting mindsets by showing different perspectives to conflict parties, stakeholders and local communities.
“VR has significant potential in supporting perspective taking,” Julie Gregory, a research scientist at the Stimson Center, told Politically Speaking. “Conflict parties in entrenched positions don’t always understand the reality on the ground or the humanitarian consequences of their actions,” she added.
The films produced by DPPA and field missions, for instance, offered insights into Iraq’s post-ISIS transition, allowed stakeholders to virtually engage with Sudanese government officials and activists, explored various aspects of the Colombian peace process, and showcased life in Lebanon.
“While we are aware that new technologies such as virtual reality cannot replace interaction between people, we are convinced that they can be powerful tools to advance storytelling, show other realities, generate empathy, combat stigmatization and hopefully generate commitment to peace,” Rubio Garcia said.
While research points to numerous potential benefits of VR technology in conflict mediation and peacebuilding, its application remains limited, making it difficult to fully grasp its efficacy.
To measure the impact of VR versus non-VR advocacy, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, together with DPPA’s Innovation Cell, recently conducted a study with 1200 students, dividing participants into groups exposed to either VR or non-VR communication inputs, both UN and non-UN related.
The study found that VR has a similar effect in terms of memory recall as other traditional multimedia interventions, in comparison to pure text-based communication products. However, much more than two-dimensional documentaries, virtual reality gives the opportunity to virtually walk through each other’s journeys, helping build empathy with others.
While highlighting the advantages of VR tools, experts also point to the need for caution. Trust, understanding, confidentiality and consent are key in the use of VR by conflict mediators. Moreover, using such tools requires a degree of technical expertise and significant investments.
And experts cite another crucial consideration. “It is vital to lead with authenticity, ensuring that the narrative is compelling and true to the experiences it seeks to convey,” Martin Waehlisch from DPPA’s Innovation Cell said, adding that it is important to steer clear of sensationalism. “The story must remain at the forefront, engaging and resonating with the audience on a personal level.” For DPPA, working closely with local partners is therefore essential.
As VR develops, collecting more data will be essential to fully grasp and measure its impact on peace and security work. “Using new technologies in peace processes needs to be meaningful and not just a gimmick,” Waehlisch said.
The UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday reiterated its deep concern over the crisis in Myanmar, amid reports of widespread abuses by the military and opposition armed groups, including forced conscription of Rohingya community members and their use as human shields.
Amid reports of intensified heavy shelling in north, central and southern Gaza, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, confirmed on Wednesday that schools-turned-shelters have been “bombed-out” as a result of the latest escalation.
The UN and its partners are offering support to Ukrainian authorities as they address the impact of the deadly Russian airstrikes in Kyiv and other cities earlier this week, the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) reported on Wednesday.
The UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday reiterated its deep concern over the crisis in Myanmar, amid reports of widespread abuses by the military and opposition armed groups, including forced conscription of Rohingya community members and their use as human shields.
The UN’s top humanitarian official has reiterated strong condemnation of deadly missile attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities on Monday, while a senior doctor from the capital’s main children’s hospital described to the Security Council the “real hell” endured by patients and medical staff alike after it came under fire.
In Gaza, overwhelmed hospitals, soaring temperatures, hunger and a lack of even basic sanitation present an ever more deadly threat to a population under constant attack, UN humanitarians warned on Tuesday.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) remains “extremely worried” for the well-being of 13 UN staff and a number of NGO employees arbitrarily detained in Yemen, spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said on Tuesday, demanding their unconditional release.
The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in alarming levels of violence and widespread civilian displacement, the UN envoy for the country reported on Monday.
Ukrainian cities faced another barrage of missiles fired by Russian forces on Monday with dozens killed and a children’s hospital among the locations hit, UN humanitarians have said.
The war in Gaza passed the nine-month mark on Sunday with humanitarians left assessing the damage of a fresh Israeli airstrike on a UN school.
The Supervisory Committee on the Implementation of the Detainees’ Agreement concluded its ninth meeting on Saturday, 6 July, in Oman. Co-chaired by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Supervisory Committee convenes negotiation delegations from the conflicting parties in Yemen to support them in fulfilling their obligations to...
Earlier today, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert arrived in Israel for a three-day visit. Since assuming office last month, Hennis-Plasschaert has extensively engaged the Lebanese leadership and key interlocutors on ways to deescalate tensions across the Blue Line. Her visit to Israel comes ahead of planned United Nations Security Council consultations on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (...
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Fresh fighting in southeast Sudan is exacerbating civilian suffering, with reports that over 136,000 people have fled their homes in search of safety, UN humanitarians have said.
The UN voiced deep concern on Friday at the increase in the intensity of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, which separates Lebanese and Israeli armed forces.
The UN is deeply concerned at the increase in the intensity of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line yesterday, which heightens the risk of a full-scale war . Escalation can and must be avoided. We reiterate that the danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflagration is real. A political and diplomatic solution is the only viable way forward.
On 4 July, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lebanese Parliament visited UNIFIL to express support for ...
Deep global divisions and conflicts must end to clear a path to tackling world’s two existential threats: climate change and the negative impacts of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, UN chief António Guterres told the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Astana on Thursday.
Bombing continued overnight into Thursday in Gaza where some of the tens of thousands of people uprooted in response to Israeli evacuation orders have had to turn back after finding nowhere to shelter, UN humanitarians reported.
The UN envoy for Haiti on Wednesday welcomed recent strides towards restoring democracy amid alarming levels of violence, while the country’s interim Prime Minister emphasized that the people “continue to fight for a better future.”
The Gaza Strip is virtually “split in two”, with blockades not only restricting the movement of displaced people seeking shelter, but also aid workers trying to assist civilians in desperate need, a UN relief official said on Wednesday.
A new report from UN human rights monitors in Ukraine has revealed the “horrific toll” of attacks by Russian armed forces, with May recording the highest number of civilian casualties in nearly a year.
*The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s press conference by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary Dicarlo.
This morning, we heard views from members of Afghan civil society, women and men, who provided us – the special envoys and the UN - with valuable insights on the rights of women and minorities in the country, girls’ education, the media, business and many other issues.
They shared their views and perspectives on the Doha process, as well as on engagement between Afghanistan and the international community generally.
Our exchange was extremely important and useful. You may recall that at Doha II, we also had extensive discussions with a broad range of voices.
This morning, we heard a diversity of views; Afghan civil society is not monolithic.
This wealth of perspectives must continue to be part of this process.
As I said at the meeting this morning and in talks with the de facto authorities, there is a need to build trust on all sides.
We have to have a dialogue that’s built on honesty.
It must also be based on principles - those of the UN Charter and the various human rights treaties that Afghanistan is a party to.
We are still at the beginning of this process. We are going to need patience, a lot of it, and we are going to need to be realistic.
This is a process based on the independent assessment the UN Security Council recognized last November.
That assessment called for a more coordinated and structured process, with clear conditions and expectations for all sides.
It also called for a principled, step-for-step approach with a clear understanding of the outcomes and commitments from all sides.
Human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, and inclusion of all members of society will continue to be an integral part of all our discussions.
Regarding what’s next, as I mentioned yesterday, during the talks with the special envoys and the de facto authorities, there was discussion of creating smaller groups on key issues that are raised in the independent assessment. We will continue that discussion on how to proceed forward.
We are still at the beginning of this process. And it will take time and patience. But our approach has one goal: helping all the people of Afghanistan.
**Questions and Answers
Question (AFI): Thank you so much, Ms. DiCarlo, for this briefing and yesterday’s briefing. My question is regarding the participation of member states at the meeting today. A large number of countries didn’t turn to participate in today’s meeting and meet with society representatives. What do you make of that? They said that this is an important meeting, and yet it wasn’t part of the official meeting that took place in the past two days. Do you agree? Also, some people from Afghanistan and the diaspora community are saying that the people who participated from Afghanistan, either by Zoom or in person, are following the same agenda as the Taliban. Do you agree with that? Do you have anything to share with us?
USG DiCarlo: Thank you. First of all, I think there were a fair number of member states there. Some had travel arrangements and had to leave early. Attendance is optional; the attendance at Doha III is optional. As I said, there were a fair number of countries there who asked some very good questions to the civil society members who were participating. In terms of whether these individuals represented Taliban views or not – they represented themselves, and they were very clear that they were representing themselves. And I think, as I said it’s monolithic. There’s a variety of views. I don’t think there’s a difference for many of us, whether it’s the envoys, the civil society members who were there about an end state. There may be different views on how you get there, but I think it was really rich discussion. We heard a lot of different perspectives. We had people from the business community, from private sector, from the press, from women’s organizations, from business organizations, micro finance organizations, and it was very interesting, and I think quite a rich discussion.
Question (AFI): (inaudible)
USG DiCarlo: Were they upset? Obviously, I think that civil society, many would like to be at the official meeting, but they were pleased to have the opportunity to speak with some of the envoys and explain what they are doing and what their needs are. It’s important for us to understand what is it that various groups need. What are the obstacles to truly either practicing their profession or where do they see as obstacles for a society that’s more inclusive, etc. and we’ve got that perspective.
Question (NHK): Thank you, madam. When will what was discussed today be shared with the de facto government? How many countries today appeared, and how about the members of civil society. How many of them were physically present as well as virtually attending?
USG DiCarlo: I am not going to get into how many were there physically or not physically, but there were eight members of civil society who were there. In terms of number of countries, 15 countries and the EU. I don’t think the EU would mind that we mentioned that they were there. We had different counts, and everyone was sort of counting a little bit differently, but 15, 16 reps were there. Again, we understand that some had to leave because of pressing business. I know one in particular who very much regretted that he could not remain for another day. But again, we don’t mandate people coming to either Doha meeting or civil society meetings, or any other meetings. It was something we wanted to have as a possibility for the envoys to engage.
Question (DW): (inaudible)
USG DiCarlo: No, the discussion was within us. We are not sharing it beyond. People came on their own behalf and expressed views. We really appreciated it, and I think we learned quite a lot.
Question: My question is that we talked to the Taliban delegation, and they said that there were meetings with UN officials based on counter-narcotics, on banking and on supporting the private sector. Regarding girls’ education and inclusive government, and human rights, they said that it’s ‘our’ internal issue, and we will solve it ‘in our country’ according to Sharia, based on their interpretation of Sharia, and they said they will solve it according to ‘our tradition’. Do you think that such big issues could be internal affairs and could be solved in Afghanistan?
USG DiCarlo: OK, let me just explain that, first of all, we had a general session that encompassed the range of issues that were raised in the independent assessment that was done. Then we had two special sessions, one on private sector, and the other on counter-narcotics. We felt that we had to start somewhere and getting into the nitty-gritty of what the obstacles the de facto authority sees, for example, in developing the private sector and hear from the envoys and what they think could be done. So that’s one. In the general session and throughout, issues of human rights, especially women and girls, were raised. You can’t speak about private sector without talking about having women and more women in the private sector. It is not just, let’s say, the right of women to work. But if 50% of the population is not working, that’s pretty bad for a country’s economy. Let’s be perfectly clear here. In terms of counter-narcotics, obviously the issue of women was also raised. We have alternative livelihoods. There were some women who were growing these crops, it wasn’t just men. We have women addicts that need to be treated. This is an issue that absolutely has to be raised. Our role here is to go issue by issue in the independent assessment and cover those issues in a process. That will take time. Human rights, rights of women and girls factor in all of them. The issue of inclusion, inclusivity is a really important issue. It’s not just inclusive governance. It’s also inclusive aspects in the society, and that was raised as well. And that will be raised in subsequent meetings as we go along. Is it just an internal issue? Afghanistan has signed on to a number of treaties, international covenants, and agreements that are focused on human rights, civil rights. They are bound by those agreements. It doesn’t matter that a government changes; the country has signed on as a country. And in that sense, it is not just an internal issue, and we made that clear.
Question (Afghanistan International News Channel): There were a lot of talks and criticism about the secrecy of these three meetings – two official and one side event. About today, the names of the participants didn’t come out, and they try to not reveal the names and who is participating. Just to clear some minds and also some people who were criticizing this, can give us a quick explanation why these people didn’t want to actually have their names come out and introduce themselves? And the whole secrecy about these events – why is it so important for details to not come out from these events?
USG DiCarlo: We respect the privacy of participants in any of our meetings, whether it be on Afghanistan or on any issue. And certainly, we don’t release the names of people we meet with, particularly if they would prefer that they not be released. I think that that is something that we need to continue as an issue. If they want themselves to maintain or say to the press or anyone else that they were part of it, then that is certainly their prerogative. That’s not something that we do, and this is not just on Afghanistan. Our meetings when we meet, particularly with members of civil society, are closed meetings. And we’re not hiding anything, but we want to have good discussions and have any participants feel very comfortable.
Question (VoA): Thank you so much. This time, given the criticism of having a separate meeting with the Taliban and meeting separately with civil society activists, it seems as if the Taliban are not going to agree in the future, also, with anyone else. They’ve made it very clear in these two meetings that you have held in February and now. Would the UN again consider repeating this exercise the same way? Or would you, for future meetings, consider changing the format so that the UN does not receive the type of criticism that it has, because the Taliban would not sit with civil society activists, it’s quite clear.
USG DiCarlo: I would never say never. I think we will see as we go forward how we’re going to manage this issue. I think it’s a decision that not only we have to make, but also those who attend, the envoys who attend, on whether they think.. what they think who should be present, if you will. All we want to be able to do is to continue to speak to everybody and have everyone’s voice heard, and if we can amplify voices who are not, that are not present at a particular event, we are very happy to do that. But again, I would never say never. One thing I want to emphasize is that, if you read the independent assessment, it comes up with a lot of, a number of concerns that Afghanistan has to build its society. It also lists many of the concerns that international community has, where international community feels that Afghanistan is not abiding by its international obligations. A lot of thematic issues. Then at the very end talks about eventually needing an inter-Afghan dialogue. What we are doing is not an inter-Afghan dialogue right now. We are just going through issues at this point, and we want to get various perspectives. But let’s be perfectly honest, the citizens, de facto authorities are not ready for sitting down at the table with each other. At least, they weren’t for this past meeting.
Question: (inaudible)
USG DiCarlo: Thank you and thank you for the interest you have in this process.
The UN’s top political affairs official on Tuesday reiterated that human rights, especially the rights of Afghan women and girls, and inclusion of all members of the society will continue to be an integral part of all discussions.
With their homes shattered and lives upended by war, civilians in Gaza are clinging to their dignity under the most inhumane conditions, Sigrid Kaag, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator, said on Tuesday.
“Chaos and panic” are spreading in southern Gaza where an estimated 250,000 people are set to be impacted by new Israeli military evacuation orders from Khan Younis in Gaza, UN humanitarians warned on Tuesday.
Read here the latest UNSOM Quarterly Newsletter.
*The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s press conference by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary Dicarlo.
I want to first express our deep appreciation to the Government of Qatar for hosting this third meeting of Special Envoys on Afghanistan.
This is the third Doha meeting, but it is also a first. Indeed, this is the first time such a broad cross section of the international community and the de facto authorities have had the opportunity to hold such detailed discussions.
These discussions were frank and, I believe, useful.
They were based on priority areas listed in the independent assessment the UN Security Council recognized last November.
That assessment called for a more structured process, with clear conditions and expectations for all sides.
So, we are pursuing a principled, step-for-step approach with a clear understanding of the outcomes and commitments from all sides.
We are still at the beginning of this process.
At the opening yesterday the special envoys and the de facto authorities aired their expectations. Today we looked at the private sector and counternarcotics.
The Afghan private sector faces enormous obstacles to its development and growth, which adversely affects the economy and livelihoods. Afghanistan also needs support in building on progress made in curbing drug production.
Running through all the discussions was the deep international concern - from special envoys and from me - about the ongoing and serious restrictions on women and girls. Afghanistan cannot return to the international fold, or fully develop economically and socially, if it is deprived of the contributions and potential of half its population.
We also discussed the need for more inclusive governance and respect for the rights of minorities.
There was broad agreement on the need to chart a clear way forward. And we at the UN are committed to continue to facilitate this process.
Now, I am fully aware of the criticisms leveled at this meeting. And I understand. I would like to stress a few things:
My hope is that the constructive exchanges on the various issues over the last two days have moved us a little closer to resolving some of the problems that are having such a devastating impact on the Afghan people.
Above all, the discussion confirmed the international community’s unity in its resolve to continue engagement with Afghanistan.
We agreed to continue this process and, again, I am really grateful to the Government of Qatar for their support. We are considering setting up working groups on various areas that are contained in the independent assessment.
To conclude, I’d like to reiterate the United Nations commitment to continue to support this process of principled engagement for the benefit of all Afghans.
Thank you.
**Questions and Answers
Question (Tolo News): As you mentioned that this meeting does not mean the recognition of the Government. But the Taliban delegates just told us that we are the reality on the ground and there is no any other way of solution for the international community so just deal with us. What is the final decision for you and what will happen now?
USG DiCarlo: Our goal is to engage with all Afghans right now and certainly with the de facto authorities on a range of issues. We do so, and we have a mission on the ground – the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) that works on a whole range of areas. The recognition is for Member States. It is not for the United Nations. We are an international organization, and we have 193 members. But it is their decision on whether they’d recognize the government or not, not ours. What we are doing is facilitating the interest of a quite a number of countries in the international community who feel that engagement with Afghanistan, principled engagement, will be to the benefit of the Afghan people, its neighbors and the international community.
Question (Radio Free Europe Radio Azattyk): I would like to ask if there were no presents of Afghan woman and civil society in this meeting. Wo what is the guarantee that the Taliban de facto government would listen and will implement the suggestions that you put in the meeting today?
USG DiCarlo: First of all, I think they were a lot of issues that were raised. We talked about what’s hampering the private sector, what is needed more. Also on the whole issue of counter narcotics, which is a really a serious issue. I think there is genuine interest on the part of Afghans to move forward in this area. I also feel very much that it is incumbent on each member state to decide how they’re going to proceed, and the envoy were very clear and wanting to support the number of the efforts that were raised. However, as we mentioned many times, the independent assessment calls for a step for step approach to engagement, and I think this is something that we will see continuing going forward.
Question: We’ve not heard any solid commitment from Taliban sportsman Mr. Mujahid about education. Did you hear anything, any solid commitment in the discussions and meeting from the Taliban representatives?
USG DiCarlo: What I can tell you is it was raised in a number of times; a lot of times. I think it was a number one concern and request coming from special envoys from around the world, and it is certainly something that we raised, and have raised, and we are hoping indeed that we see some movement in this area. I was in Kabul a few weeks ago, about a month ago, and met with quite a number of ministers, de facto ministers, and made this case in every single meeting. And I hope they keep hearing our calls. It is about rights of women and girls, but it’s not only about rights and women and girls. If you prevent half the population of education, from being involved in the economy in various of the professions, it just means that it delays the development of Afghanistan.
Question (News Afghanistan): As you mentioned there was not any commitment from de facto authorities of Afghanistan. Is there any other commitment, clear commitment about inclusive government and other issues that raises international community’s concerns?
USG DiCarlo: We talked about inclusive governance. We talked about concerns about marginalization of minorities as well. I think they took note of it. It was very clear; they were listening very carefully. They were very engaged. And what we are hoping is that they will find a way forward in this area. Because it has been, I should say since 2021, one of the issues that we have heard from the international community about Afghanistan. Number one was inclusive government.
Question (Voice of America): The UN assessment also called for a special UN-appointed representative for Afghanistan. Has the UN given upon that idea because the Taliban do not seem very warm about it? And, if to get them to come to the table this time, the UN was willing to not invite women’s rights activist, what would the UN be willing to accommodate next time from the Taliban when similar gathering is expected to happen?
USG DiCarlo: I don’t know where the Taliban will be on the special envoy. I think that we demonstrated today, the engagement of the international community, the willingness to really sit down and work on quite a number of issues with the de facto authorities. What I can say is we will continue this process as best as possible. We do have a fairly large mission on the ground that can play a very important role. And of course, those of us who are based in New York are very engaged as well. When you say what will they ask further – I could not speculate on that. What I can say is that they did come today. They were very engaged and very sharing of information, both on the private sector, and very interestingly, on narcotics as well.
Question (BBC News): You said that this was a near impossible decision to decide to have the Taliban authority here under these conditions, given the level of criticism. But you also said that, at the moment, we don’t seem to have some clear commitments at this stage. Do you feel the level of anger that has been brought about because of the conditions the UN accepted? Does that feel worth it for what has come out of these talks?
USG DiCarlo: What we’re hoping is that given the conversations that took place, given that the engagement we saw on both from the special envoys and from the de facto authorities, that we’ll see progress in a range of areas. Obviously, this is, as I mentioned, the independent assessment step for step approach. We would hope that engagement and discussions would indeed move things forward in the way that Afghanistan becomes a more open, inclusive society, both in terms of governance, and even civil participation. We would hope that would be the case. I cannot speculate on future. All I can say is that I think the meeting was, by in large, productive, and I think we have way forward for continued engagement and we will do so. And we certainly are not going to decrease in anyway our involvement with women, civil society, minority groups on the ground. We have a mission that’s been there now for 22 years that are very engaged with civil society and a whole range of the population. They will continue their efforts.
Question (Amu TV): My question is that there are three people that were invited to tomorrow’s meeting. The Afghanistan representatives for civil society and women. They refused, they denied to come. So what is the effect of this on the credibility of the third Doha meeting.
USG DiCarlo: I think, first of all, I respect their decision. I think it’s a decision whether you participate or not participate. I regret that they won’t be there because, my understanding is that, I don’t know them personally, but I understand that we had some fabulous people on our list to come as those three were. We do have others who will be participating .We will engage. We will hear their views. We will share with them our views how we think we can help going forward and work together; basically explain this is a process. We are involved in the process now that is going to be a long-term process. This is not easy going forward, and we will continue to try to do the best we can. It won’t make everybody happy, but we really want to do the best for the Afghan people overall.
Question: Just to confirm that two of the representatives from civil society and women will join tomorrow’s meeting from Afghanistan?
USG DiCarlo: We will have women, we will have women and men at tomorrow’s meeting, yes. We are part of the civil society, too.
Question (AFP): We saw messaging from the Taliban authorities today that they wanted to talk about sanctions relief. Is that something that you.. what messages you received from them on that? Is it something that you would be looking at with international partners, under what conditions? And very quick other question on the absence of women and civil society groups. Did you feel, in your discussions you said you talk to the Taliban about this, did you feel that they might move on this position or they standing firm where they are?
USG DiCarlo: First on the sanctions issue. It was raised. Obviously, it was a raised. It’s a concern for the Taliban. We didn’t really elaborate on it. Again, on sanctions, it’s a member state issue whether they’re going to continue certain sanctions or not. The sanctions are on people. Not on the country at large, so, again, not an in-depth discussion. And your second question again was…
Question: You said you spoke about women’s participation and civil society. Do you think they might want to move from this?
USG DiCarlo: I cannot say. All I can tell you is that I have had many discussions, not today in this process, but many discussions where I have been told that officials, many officials, are supportive of girls’ education. It’s under consideration, under discussion. All I can say is I sure hope so that they’ll be a reconsideration of this policy. It is absolutely essential. Imagine, I mean I’m looking at the women in particular in this audience. Imagine if you are only allowed to go through to the sixth grade, where would you be today? You wouldn’t be sitting here being a journalist. I wouldn’t be here being a UN official. Heartbreaking, frankly. But let us let us see and let’s keep at it. That’s all I can say. We have to make very clear how important it is, and how it’s gonna be better for Afghanistan. Thank you.
Question (Al Jazeera English): You’ve been saying in the past that this process is not necessarily a step towards a formal recognition of the Taliban. Now, from the talk that you had yesterday and today with the delegation of the Taliban, the way they’ve been answering some of your concerns, do you see a potential change of heart from the key western players in the future as far as dealing with the Taliban is concerned?
USG DiCarlo: I think, what I could say is that what they want engagement. I think both sides want engagement. They want engagement because, if you look at Afghanistan, OK, let’s look at it from a selfish perspective. There is the issue of narcotics trade, devastating for the neighbors and it goes far. I learned a lot about narcotics in Afghanistan today. The issue of terrorism. Again, it’s a security issue for Afghanistan and for its neighbors. It could be broader. And I think there is a real concern. But there’s also the human concern. Our policy, the UN’s policy since 2021 since the Taliban came in, was a people centered approach. We want to help people. We may not feel that certain things are right in the governance of the country, but it’s about the people. We cannot have suffering people. It’s one of the reasons from day one we were absolutely insistent, humanitarian assistance had to continue, absolutely had to continue. And then we decided we had to move to basic services. It’s more than humanitarian assistance. We need to have a functioning bank. We needed to be, the society needed to function. We could not leave people in such dire straits, and I think that is a sentiment that many, many countries feel. It’s about people, and in that it's everywhere. It’s not just Afghanistan. And I would just hope indeed we can see progress going forward. As I said, this is not an initiative about recognition, and recognition is not for the UN. It’s for member states. But apart from that, let’s also support people. Thank you.
Question: (The question was about the date of the next Doha meeting)
USG DiCarlo: We don’t know yet. Thank you very much.
UN-led efforts to nudge Afghanistan towards a more peaceful and inclusive future with a more equal role for women and girls continued Monday at international talks, which for the first time included the Taliban de facto authorities.
Ongoing heavy fighting in northern Gaza has now forced an estimated 84,000 people to flee eastern Gaza City in a matter of days, while also cutting off access to a key aid distribution hub, UN humanitarians said on Monday.
Continued violence and instability in Haiti has resulted in the displacement of over 300,000 children, with an estimated one child being displaced every minute since March, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.
