Afghanistan

More civilians were killed in the conflict in Afghanistan in 2018 than at any other time since records have been kept, according to a new report by the United Nations, which documented 3,804 deaths.  The report attributed nearly two thirds of the casualties to anti-Government elements.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President José Singer Weisinger (Dominican Republic):

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Kacou Houadja Léon Adom (Côte d’Ivoire):

In Afghanistan, humanitarian organizations in Herat City have started distributing food and non-food items to displaced people who have been affected by drought.  As part of the ongoing full-scale drought response, WFP and its partners reached nearly 287,000 affected people from 6 to 12 December with food and cash assistance.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the State of Palestine’s Minister for Social Development launched a $350 million humanitarian response plan today aimed at providing critical aid to 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, amid rising challenges.

Despite undeniable threats to their safety, the Afghan people came out to vote for a better future for their country in the recent parliamentary elections, the top-ranking United Nations official in the country told the Security Council today.

On 3 December 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) adopted revised Guidelines for the Conduct of its Work (“Guidelines”).  The Guidelines were revised in compliance with paragraph 43 of Security Council resolution 2255 (2015), which directed the Committee to review its Guidelines.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Kacou Houadja Léon Adom (Côte d’Ivoire):

Speakers today warned of escalating violence as the General Assembly adopted its annual resolution pledging to support the people and Government of Afghanistan.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, in Geneva today: