Charge d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador R. Ravindra has said that India has long been a “trusted partner” of Afghanistan in development and humanitarian efforts, while reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to the Afghan people, and its full cooperation in every initiative aimed at supporting Afghan society.
While speaking at the UN Security Council Briefing on Afghanistan, on June 21, 2024, Ambassador Ravindra, noted, “India has delivered material humanitarian assistance consisting of 50,000 MTs of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid. We have continued educational scholarships, to more than 4000 students including 600 Afghan girls. We have also partnered with various UN agencies, including UNWFP and UNODC in their humanitarian efforts.”
He said India’s development partnership in Afghanistan includes over 500 projects across all 34 provinces focusing on areas including power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture, and capacity building.
Underscoring that the standards established by the Security Council Resolution 2593 (2021) should remain central to the international community’s approach to Afghanistan, Ambassador Ravindra said, “Our common priorities include the need to counter terrorism; bring in inclusive governance; safeguard the rights and interests of women, children and minorities; counter-narcotics; and prioritize humanitarian assistance for the well-being of the people of the country.”
He warned that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used to create instability in the region or to foster extremist ideologies.
“India is a contiguous neighbor to Afghanistan. India has historical and civilizational ties with the Afghan people. These longstanding linkages continue to guide our relations with Afghanistan,” added Ambassador Ravindra. “India is closely monitoring developments given its impact on neighboring countries like us. Our objective is to establish long term peace, security and stability of Afghanistan and well-being of its people.”
On June 26, 2024, Ambassador Ravindra addressed the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict: “How to Advance Our Collective Norms Towards Protecting Children and Ending All Grave Violations.”
While expressing India’s steadfast dedication to advancing collective norms aimed at protecting children and ending all grave violations, Ambassador Ravindra reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the UN in its efforts to safeguard children affected by armed conflicts.
He reminded, “This year marks 25 years since the adoption of UNSC resolution 1261 on ‘Children and Armed Conflict’. Over the years, the annual debate has brought to fore the challenges faced by children in situations of armed conflict and helped the international community to recognize the importance of preventing and ending violations against children.”
He also underscored the critical importance of quality education and skill development in mitigating unavoidable negative consequences.
“Use of digital tools to provide education, vocational training and psycho-social support open up new opportunities for children in conflict situations. Protecting schools, especially girls’ schools, and health care facilities and its personnel, must be accorded priority,” said Ambassador Ravindra. “There is need for a more inclusive approach to provide protection to child victims of armed conflicts. Those children who face relocation and reintegration require special attention. Children who grow up in conflict and post-conflict situations often need a fresh start.”
Every child has the fundamental right to a joyful childhood and a life full of opportunities, Ambassador Ravindra told the Security Council while emphasizing that the “well-being and strength of humanity” hinge upon the health, education, and creative potential of the children and youth, who represent the future of our world.
