SRSG DEBORAH LYONS OPENING REMARKS AT THE SPECIAL JOINT COORDINATION & MONITORING BOARD (JCMB) MEETING28 July 2021[As delivered]

Mr. President and Dr. Abdullah,

KABUL - Civilian casualties in Afghanistan in the first half of 2021 reached record levels, including a particularly sharp increase in killings and injuries since May when international military forces began their withdrawal and the fighting intensifie

KABUL – The United Nations in Afghanistan is increasingly concerned with the number of reported serious human rights abuses and violations alleged in communities most affected by the ongoing military offensive across the country.

MAIDAN WARDAK – Panelists at UN-backed radio programme in Maidan Wardak province discussed the importance of family leaders and women’s access to formal justice in combating violence against women and protecting their rights.

GARDEZ - To help safeguard children’s rights amid conflict and the COVID pandemic, radio stations in the southeast have been broadcasting a series of programmes backed by UNAMA that involve communities in raising awareness around the issue.