Innlegg høynivåkonferansen om kvinners rettigheter i Afghanistan
Historisk arkiv
Publisert under: Regjeringen Solberg
Utgiver: Utenriksdepartementet
Oslo, 23. november 2014
Tale/innlegg | Dato: 23.11.2014
-As we meet today in Oslo, following up on last year’s very important gathering at Georgetown University – and looking ahead to the London meeting in two weeks, we know and understand that our role is to support your endeavours, sa utenriksminister Brende bl.a. i sin tale på Afghanistan-konferansen i Oslo 23. november.
Sjekkes mot fremføring
First lady Rula Ghani,
Prime Minister Erna Solberg,
dear women of Afghanistan,
friends and colleagues;
ladies and gentlemen.
- For the first time ever, Afghanistan has seen a democratic transfer of power.
- For the first time, an incumbent leader stood aside peacefully, as the new President was sworn in.
- And for the first time, Afghanistan was introduced to its First Lady.
- Congratulations, First Lady Rula Ghani.
- Congratulations, women and men of Afghanistan.
- These are truly, important steps forward for all.
- This is a critical juncture for the people of Afghanistan.
- A time for action.
- A time for change.
- And change is needed.
- Afghanistan is still one of the ten poorest countries in the world.
- Decades of warfare have left 2 million dead. 700 000 widows and orphans.
Millions of Afghan refugees. - The human rights situation gives cause for great concern.
- The security situation is precarious.
- Every day, schoolgirls and women in public life are exposed to threats and violence.
Sexual Violence. Honour killings. - Far too often, the perpetrators enjoy impunity.
- Women still face discrimination in all areas: At home, in the health care system, at school, at
work, and in politics and culture. - Life for women and girls is more difficult in Afghanistan than almost anywhere else in the world.
- We still have a long way to go.
- Yet, there has been significant progress.
- Having seen the women in this audience, having heard your strong voices, and looking back at my visit in Kabul recently,
- I feel hopeful that the progress will continue:
- In 2001, Afghanistan had less than 500 health care facilities in operation.
Today there are more than 2 000. - 60 % of the population now lives within a one-hour walking distance of a health care centre. And the results are readily evident:
Life expectancy for women has increased from 44 years in 2001 to 64 years today.
Maternal mortality has dropped by 80 %. - Ten years ago, less than one million children in Afghanistan attended school.
Almost none of them were girls. Today, nine million children attend school, and 41 % of them are girls. - These numbers should encourage us.
- All of this could signal the start of a new era.
- But we cannot take progress for granted. This is why we are here.
- We know that even sustaining the progress that has been made, will require effort.
- Peace is paramount. War is profoundly destructive.
- If there is no peace, there is little progress.
- Therefore, we need to focus on reconciliation efforts and inclusive peace processes.
- Good governance and rule of law are pillars of a thriving society.
- Politicians must be held accountable.
Impunity must be fought.
Corruption must end. - Sima Samar, who is here today, recently stated:“No peace, no development, no progress without women.” And you are right, Sima.
- Peace is not sustainable when only the needs of half the population are taken into account.
- I know that many of you who are here today, work tirelessly to bring about change.
- Norway will remain your committed partner.
- We will stand by the Unity government and the civil society.
- We will remain a major contributor to Afghanistan.
- Education for girls, women’s rights and equal opportunities are our main priorities.
- We will do our part. Yet, the role of the international community is limited. You play all the leading roles.
- As we meet today in Oslo, following up on last year’s very important gathering at Georgetown University – and looking ahead to the London meeting in two weeks, we know and understand that our role is to support your endeavours.
- We will be listening to you.
- We will carry your recommendations with us to London and beyond.
- We will continue to be your partner, fighting for a brighter and safer future for the young women and men of Afghanistan.
- Thank you.