A3 JOINT-STATEMENT AT THE UNSC BRIEFING ON THE SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of The Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations

9th March 2026

Thank you Mr. President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely Liberia, Somalia, and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2. We thank the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Officer in charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Ms. Georgette Gagnon, for her comprehensive briefing. 

3. At the outset, the A3 remain concerned by the complex political, humanitarian, and socio-economic challenges facing Afghanistan. The Afghan people continue to endure the consequences of prolonged instability, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services.

4. The A3 reaffirms the importance of sustained international engagement in support of the Afghan people.

5. In this regard, the A3 would like to highlight the following points:

6. First, the A3 group reiterates its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Afghanistan 

7. Second, the A3 reiterates its strong support for the continued work of UNAMA. We underline the critical role played by UNAMA as a key platform for international engagement and coordination of humanitarian and development efforts in Afghanistan. 

8. With this in mind, we emphasize the importance of ensuring that the Mission is able to operate in conditions that allow it to effectively carry out its mandate, including through safe and unhindered access for United Nations personnel and partners.

9. Third, the A3 expresses deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, as the cumulative effects of declining international assistance, large-scale returns of displaced populations, natural disasters, and disruptions in regional trade continue to exert immense pressure on Afghan communities. The A3 is gravely alarmed by the sharp deterioration in food security, with 21.9 million people projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2026. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan seek $1.71 billion to provide critical, life-saving support. The A3 commends the persistent efforts of the UN and humanitarian partners working under extremely challenging conditions and urges donors to act swiftly to close the funding gaps.

10. Fourth, the A3 recognizes that the full participation of women and girls is a cornerstone for Afghanistan’s successful reintegration into the international community. We emphasize that ensuring access to education, employment, fundamental freedoms, and meaningful participation in society will unlock the nation’s full potential and uphold the dignity of its people. 

11. The A3 is also concerned by restrictions preventing United Nations Afghan women personnel from accessing United Nations premises. In that regard, we call on the authorities to permit United Nations national female personnel to return to their places of work. 

12. Fifth, the A3 remains concerned by the continued threats posed by terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan and reaffirms that its territory should not be used as a platform for terrorist activities that jeopardize regional and international peace and security. Furthermore, the A3 urges countries of the region to intensify support for efforts to address and counter threats from terrorist organizations operating in Afghan territory.

13. In this regard, the A3 underline the importance of the Security Council sanctions regime concerning Afghanistan and reiterate their support for the work of the 1988 Sanctions Committee.

14. Sixth, the A3 reiterates that engagement between the international community and Afghanistan is crucial for Afghanistan’s sustainable peace, stability, and social and economic development. We note the Secretary-General’s call on all members of the Doha Process and the Afghan authorities to further engage in the proposed comprehensive approach, as envisioned by Security Council resolution 2721 (2023), towards the objective of an Afghanistan fully reintegrated into the international community.

16. To conclude, Mr. President, we stress the importance of a coordinated and integrated approach among political, humanitarian, and development actors in order to better address the multiple challenges facing the Afghan people. The A3 reaffirms its steadfast solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and its commitment to help them in the pursuit of lasting peace, security, stability, and development.

I Thank you.