UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
Open Debate -The Situation in Afghanistan
Statement by H.E. Mr John Dauth LVO Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
13 November 2001
Thank you Mr President for convening this timely and important meeting on an issue of deep interest to all member states. I also thank the Secretary General for his statement and Ambassador Brahimi for his comprehensive briefing.
Mr President,
There should be no doubt whatsoever that coalition actions against terrorism in Afghanistan are a necessary response to a serious threat to international peace and security. Australia is doing its part to address that threat. We have committed over 1500 military personnel as well as substantial military assets to assist coalition efforts. Our first objective must be to bring the perpetrators of the attacks of 11 September and those who harbour them to account.
But we must also focus on Afghanistan's own urgent needs and on the international community's obligation to assist that nation overcome its humanitarian crisis and make a sustained recovery.
Mr President,
The international community's approach to Afghanistan needs to take account of lessons of the recent past. I wish to highlight two of these.
First, countries or regions that drift beyond the reach of international norms and international law become havens for terrorists and international crime. The international community cannot allow this state to persist. Afghanistan needs a government that respects international norms and law. In particular, it needs a government that respects international human rights, including the rights of women, and works to meet its international obligation to combat terrorism and actions that give terrorists support and succour.
Such a government will need to be broad-based and representative of all Afghans. Australia strongly supports the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ambassador Brahimi, to facilitate the emergence from within of such a government.
Second, disregard for human rights and a hostile relationship with the international community greatly exacerbates humanitarian crises. The Taliban regime has a very poor record of cooperating with international humanitarian agencies. It has actively hindered humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts. This must end. Afghanistan needs a cooperative relationship with the international community. An Afghan government committed to rebuilding and rehabilitation, to establishing law and order, and to creating conditions that will enable the return of refugees should -and will -have the support of the international community. The return of refugees should be a first order priority for Afghanistan, its neighbors and the region more generally.
For its part, Australia has already allocated a total of A$23.3 million to assist displaced and vulnerable Afghans in the region. This follows the provision of A$12 million in 2000.
Mr President,
Afghanistan faces daunting challenges, but these can be overcome. Australia remains fully committed to playing its part in helping Afghanistan put the tragedies of the past behind and build a more hopeful future.
Thank you Mr President