Afghanistan’s Statement on International Terrorism-Sixth Committee

Afghanistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and calls for a coordinated international response grounded in civilian protection, accountability and inclusive governance, while reaffirming respect for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and the rights of women and girls.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Naseer Ahmad Faiq
Chargé d’Affaires, Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN
UNGA 81 — Sixth Committee
Agenda Item 112: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism

Madam Chair,

Allow me to congratulate you and the other Bureau members on your well-deserved elections and assure you of our full support and cooperation throughout the work of the sixth Committee. It is particularly heartening to see women’s leadership in this committee.

Afghanistan aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and reaffirms the shared commitment expressed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. We wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity.

The Afghan people have suffered profoundly from terrorism and the use of extremist groups as proxies. We unequivocally condemn terrorism wherever and by whomsoever committed. No political objective, ideological claim or religious justification can excuse terrorist violence. There must be no distinction between “good” and “bad” terrorists.

Five years after the Taliban’s forcible takeover, Afghanistan continues to face interconnected political, security, humanitarian, economic and human rights crises. The Taliban’s policies have deepened the country’s isolation and prolonged its political deadlock. In the absence of legitimate, representative and accountable governance, extremism and terrorism remain serious threats to Afghanistan and the wider region. United Nations reports have repeatedly documented the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

We condemn the support, shelter and financing provided to terrorist groups by any State or non-State actor, including the Taliban. Those who finance, arm or facilitate such groups must be held accountable. Terrorism cannot be defeated while violent groups are treated as instruments of political influence. Afghanistan’s territory must never serve as a safe haven for terrorists or a platform for threatening other countries.

At the same time, we strongly condemn the recent Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces, which, according to UNAMA, killed at least 10 civilians, most of them children. Counterterrorism operations must comply fully with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity. Counterterrorism cannot justify unlawful attacks or disregard for civilian life. Afghan communities must not bear the cost of terrorist violence or military responses that endanger their lives and livelihoods.

Madam Chair,

We share the OIC’s firm rejection of any association between terrorism and Islam or any other religion. Terrorist groups’ exploitation of religious teachings to justify violence must be challenged. Education, interfaith dialogue and the engagement of communities and religious scholars are essential to countering hatred and recruitment.

A sustainable response requires legitimate, accountable and inclusive governance, grounded in the will of the Afghan people and capable of fulfilling the country’s international obligations. Exclusion, repression and the denial of education and economic opportunity undermine lasting security. Restoring the rights of women and girls, ensuring women’s full participation and creating meaningful opportunities for young people are essential to building a peaceful and resilient society.

We therefore call for a principled and coordinated international approach that combines effective counterterrorism cooperation with civilian protection, accountability and support for an Afghan-led political process towards inclusive and representative governance.

Afghanistan supports the central coordinating role of the United Nations, the balanced implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and efforts to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Our common objective must be lasting security for all, rooted in justice, human dignity and the rule of law.

Thank you.

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