India told the Human Rights Council that the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to be a matter of concern

New Delhi: India told the Human Rights Council that the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to be a matter of concern, and that it has supplied Kabul with 4,000 MT of wheat besides life saving medicines and anti-Covid vaccines.

Indramani Pandey, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, said on Monday that as a contiguous neighbour and a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, recent developments in Afghanistan, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan, continue to be a matter of concern.

He said India also shares concerns of the international community on issues related to providing immediate humanitarian assistance; ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and representative Government; combating terrorism and drug trafficking; and, preserving the rights of women, children and minorities.

India’s view on Afghanistan

India’s approach to Afghanistan has always been guided by its historical friendship with its people. He said that India’s special relationship with the Afghan people and the stipulations spelt out in UNSC Resolution 2593 will continue to guide India’s approach to Afghanistan. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.”

India has already supplied 4000 MT of wheat, half a million doses of COVAXIN, 13 tons of essential lifesaving medicines and winter clothing for the Afghan people. These consignments were handed over to the UN specialized agencies, namely WHO and WFP, he said.

India would continue to coordinate

As Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner, India would continue to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling expeditious provision of much needed humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, he said.

He was delivering India’s statement at the Interactive Dialogue with High Commissioner on her report on strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan during the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council.