Statement by H.E. HAYASHI Yoshimasa Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan At High-level Pledging Event on Supporting the Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan

United Nations Secretary-General Guterres,

Minister Mohammed Al-Thani,

Minister Truss,

Minister Baerbock,

I highly appreciate your initiative in leading today’s meeting.

Excellences, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

While the world fixes its gaze on Ukraine, we must also continue our support for Afghanistan.

The appeal from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan 2022 amounts to 4.4 billion US dollars, which is the largest of its kind. This clearly speaks to the severity of the current crisis.

Japan calls on the international community to act together in unison to avoid further crises.

Japan has decided to contribute 109 million US dollars in total in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis afflicting Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. [The end of Minister’s statement] As stated by Minister Hayashi, Japan has been committed to providing support for Afghanistan.

Amid our continued support, we find the Taliban’s recent announcement to postpone girls’ access to secondary education deeply disturbing. Japan calls on the Taliban to urgently reverse it. Every Afghan citizen, male or female, must be entitled to an equal right to an education at all levels.

The stability of Afghanistan is crucial for the security of the region and the wider international community. We are determined to continue our support for the Afghan people. In doing so, the Taliban must make positive progress responding to the voices of the Afghan people and the international community. Crucial to this effort is the protection of the rights of all people, including women and minorities, establishment of an inclusive government, and departure from any activities associated with terrorism.

At the same time, we must prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, for which ensuring humanitarian access and addressing the liquidity issues will be essential.

Going forward, we will continue to place importance on our close cooperation with other countries, including Afghanistan’s neighbors.

Thank you