#Afghanistan
- Leaving
#Kabul
today. Soon ending my EU mission. Experienced
@RaffaellaIodic2
replaces me
@EUinAfghanistan
- “You can take the diplomat out of AFG, but you can’t take AFG out of the diplomat.” Turbulent times. An honor having been hosted by the country & the people
Interview with EU's Arnout Pauwels
TOLOnews' Hamid Bahram discusses the current Afghan situation with the the deputy head of the European Union delegation in Afghanistan, Arnout Pauwels.
#Afghanistan
: After 4 day field vist, top UN delegation tells Taliban to end confinement, deprivation, abuse of women’s rights - Leadership TB divided about policy towards women, but hardline prevails.
#Afghanistan
Education or the lack of it is the single most important cause for families to pack up and leave.
Yesterday's decision not allowing girls to go the secondary schools, will cause another braindrain, taking away opportunities for the country.
An another return of
@bbclysedoucet
to
#Afghanistan
where she met with the amazing Matiullah of
@PenPath1
. Without foreign assistance and mostly away from cameras and selfies, he’s been bringing education for many years to were it was absent.
It was my pleasure to meet
@bbclysedoucet
the most famous Inter Journalist of BBC, and discussed
@PenPath1
activities, hurdles, and achievements. She has worked in Afg for the past 3 decades and has made many good friends in Afg. I wish her all the best and long life with success
.
@EUinAfghanistan
@ZiaulhaqAmarkhi
A pleasure meeting again in person, after 8 years.
I underscored the EU 27 statement on eduction, of March 28, requesting quick opening of the secondary schools for girls.
Today had the pleasure to receive Special Representative of Belgium for Afghanistan
@ArnoutPauwels
for a discussion on ongoing efforts for peace including the upcoming IntraAfghan Dialogue and other related issues.
#Afghanistan
First in-country meeting with esteemed UN colleagues and
@EUinAfghanistan
. We discussed current implementation challenges and options for an aid-efficient and sustainable way forward for the country.
The UN and
@EUinAfghanistan
agreed to accelerate the delivery of EU funded programs to meet humanitarian & basic human needs of Afghanistan. Today, DSRSG,
@RamizAlakbarov
in Kabul discussed this with Ambassador
@ArnoutPauwels
and reps from WFP, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR and IOM.
#Afghanistan
: “No other Muslim country has imposed restrictions like the Taliban have on us. These restrictions are a product of their own mentality. They have nothing to do with Islam.” "The intimidation is increasing, the restrictions are increasing.” WSJ 25.03
@margheritamvs
Afghan women often can't catch taxis, enter government offices or receive medical treatment without a male relative. The Taliban are squeezing women out of public life in multiple ways. Our latest on the creeping imposition of male guardianship rules:
#Afghanistan
: suicide attack on high school in Hazara populated area of Kabul : EU condemns attacks targeting civilians and schools and calls on TB/DFA to provide information, investigate and bring to justice | EEAS Website
@EUinAfghanistan
@QaharBalkhi
A pleasure meeting Minister
@ShireenMazari1
who was also an envoy for the entire new government of Pakistan. Looking forward to a follow-up meeting.
@EUPakistan
🇧🇪🇵🇰 We were happy to receive
@ShireenMazari1
, Minister for Human Rights of Pakistan.
We had an open and constructive discussion on human rights, including the
#DeathPenalty
and how to cooperate best, also in regard to the strategic dialogue between the EU and Pakistan.
#Afghanistan
- May I join my voice the # Ramadan message attached. - May the togetherness bring wisdom. -
A joy and a good thing for Afghan people to have been succeeded by
@EUCdAtoAFG
Wishing a bless month of
#Ramadan
to all Muslims in
#Afghanistan
. May this month of reflection bring peace, joy and spiritual growth to all 🙏
Ramadan Mubarak
Statement calling for an end of the violence and demanding clarity on what looks like systematic contradiction between Taliban declarations and actions. A swift comprehensive political settlement is needed to save lives. A clear message from donors.
Arnout Pauwels, Ex-EU Ambassador and current friend (😁)weathered the storm of August 15th and resumed EU operations in
#Afghanistan
. I thank him for his friendship and wish him the best of luck with wherever the diplomatic winds of Belgium may take him.
#Afghanistan
: Statement by the Spokesperson - European External Action Service
on the crushing wave of targeted killings of journalists, human rights defenders and civil servants. A call for investigations. - No Killing Fields.
@EUinAfghanistan
How nice to see this. Peeling 40 kg!
Enjoy.
Belgian fries are the best, Belgians say, because fried twice at different temperature. Afghan potatoes, specially from Bamyan, are top quality and very well suited. 🇧🇪
@EUinAfghanistan
Extremely happy to read this news.
A man who worked tirelessly for the improvement of the lives of the young in his country.
@PenPath1
I hope it is true and that he’s fine.
Bonne rétablissement.
مطیع الله ویسا نن له 215 ورځو زندان تیرولو را خلاص سو!
مطیع الله ویسا بعد از ۲۱۵ زندان امروز ها شد.
Matiullah Wesa was released today after spending 215 days in prison.
#MatiullahWesa
#EduHeroMatiullahWesa
Belgium will also send planes to Kabul to assist with the evacuation for those that want to leave
#Afghanistan
now. Much welcomed decision. Thank you. EUMS showing solidarity.
@BelgiumMFA
La situation en Afghanistan évolue rapidement. La priorité est la sécurité des Belges sur place.
Le kern a donc décidé de donner son feu vert à une opération d'évacuation par la Défense.
La question sera abordée plus en profondeur en kern ce soir.
Thank you to the chair and members of the Women Affairs Commission. Powerful voices for the rights of women. Gripping testimonies of the continuous struggle. Support from
@EUinAfghanistan
A very productive&fruitful meeting with H.E.
@ArnoutPauwels
EU Deputy Head of Mission @ House Women Affairs Commission. We dscussed d importance of inclusivity 4 a durable peace in
#Afg
. We believe on positive role of European countries &
#Nato
4 prosperity of d ppl of Afghanstn
The EU supports the strong calls by many for inclusiveness in the peace dialogue, including the proposed conference in Turkey.
#1325
#UNAMA
@UNAMANEWS
@SMP_AF
"آنچه ما در نشست مسکو شاهد آن بودیم، حضور تنها یک زن، واقعا نباید تکرار شود.".
@ArnoutPauwels
در مصاحبه با
@ArianaNews_
در مورد همه شمول بودن نشست ترکیه
#Afghanistan
Wonderful cooperation of WHO and Aga Khan, major partners of
@EUinAfghanistan
. Bringing the hospital to the standards of a national reference hospital for neo/natal, babies and children. It was my third visit in 9 months.
#WHO
leadership
@dapeng_luo
#stayanddeliver
🏥 Keeping a focus on essential health services for the Afghan people:
@EUinAfghanistan
and
@WHOAfghanistan
visiting the Atatürk National Children' Hospital in Kabul 👨⚕️👩⚕️
Was a pleasure to be back in the MoFa, see Afghan friends and colleagues. Thank you for the very good exchange, DM Idriss Zaman.
@IdreesZaman
@BelgiumMFA
@BelgiumUN
#Afghanistan
Consistent message of almost all women in Afg :”Let us get on with our lives.”, in business, education, private or public sector. Restrictive views of a tiny minority imposed with a negative impact on Afg nation.
@UNAMAnews
@EUinAfghanistan
In every province I travelled, Afghan women told me they will not give up. They will not accept their systematic exclusion from public life, and restrictions on their right to learn, to work, and to have a voice.
Press briefing:
Eid Mubarak wholeheartedly, to all those who are celebrating, in particular to my friends and (former) colleagues from and in
#Afghanistan
and
#Rwanda
. Blessings be upon you!
#EidAlAdha
#EidMubarak
Khalilzad : “the sides urgently need an agreement on a reduction of violence leading to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.”.
A party interested in a negotiated settlement does not constantly ask to be paid just to sit down.
Peace negotiations need to start in earnest.
58 Belgians and beneficiaries landed at Melsbroek military airport as part of an assisted return from
#Lebanon
.
In a spirit of European collaboration, 41 🇳🇱, 11 🇫🇷 and 1 🇱🇺 were also on board.
Belgium continues to assist all compatriots that express their willingness to leave.
#Afghanistan
#peace
"time to courageously take the first steps" "urge all Afghan political forces to resolutely seize the historic opportunity for a lasting peace" "guiding conditions (...) as expressed by FAC conclusions 29 May"
The EU Delegation, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul and the Ambassador of Canada, wish to communicate the following regarding the Afghan Peace Process.
Please read the full statement below.
#Afghanistan
These murders are all crimes that will need to be answered for. These breaches of International Humanitarian Law
#IHL
do not have a statute of limitations. The crime will not go away. This has to stop and be stopped.
The “ethic cleansing” continues. Such an organised movement of assassinations casts serious doubts on the actual character of the peace negotiations and the sincerity of pursuing a negotiated political settlement.
#NoImpunity
#TransitionalJustice
Taliban must appoint a women to a leadership role in the current caretaker administration right now.
Ministry of education could be a good start.
This way they can demonstrate the credibility of their promises that they don’t seek to stop women from leadership roles.
#Afghanistan
: Continued support for the people of Afghanistan, conditioned on a peaceful settlement and respect for human right. - Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union
@EUinAfghanistan
"Unprecedented financial and economic meltdown." "Humanitarian assistance alone is not enough." Two quotes and important take-aways from this meeting.
Thank you
@UNHCRAfg
for outlining the challenges and for the deliver-as-one-UN attitude.
@RamizAlakbarov
@EUinAfghanistan
Today at the 4th meeting of Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (
#SSAR
) Core Group
#Afghanistan
, chaired by EU, members emphasize the need for combined hum-dev assistance & investment in PARRs to mitigate further displacement and build resilient communities.
@RamizAlakbarov
🗨️“humanitarian action has been absolutely essential in keeping the Afghan people alive, maintaining basic services, and shoring up the economy at a time when no alternatives have been available.”-
@RamizAlakbarov
🚨Read more in HC's statement:
🔗
Open and forward looking conversation
@BAHAM4PEACE
in sunny
#Kabul
touching on regional engagement, governance and the need for a political settlement. The EU continues its presence in and engagement with Afghanistan.
@EUinAfghanistan
. Thank you
@IdreesZaman
So sad the violence doesn't stop. I second my esteemed German colleague's words and I condemn all terrorist violence.
Condolences to the families and recovery to the wounded.
Another deadly explosion hit a mosque in Kandahar during prayer time today. This is heinous & disgusting & must stop. Who has an interest in exploiting differences & divergences in the AFG society now that there is a chance for peace & stability in the country?
Special to back after 6 years in beautiful
#Afghanistan
where I lived for 2 years and visited several cities and provinces. Finding
#peace
requires steadfast determination putting the rights and interests of all the people first.
@EUinAfghanistan
Totally humbled by the testimonies of survivors of the attack, parents of students killed and teachers. Grief, anger and pain, so much pain. But also so much resilience. And questions, to all concerned. A call to action. Hospitality by
@ahrdo
#Education
Those taken away too early can't be brought back.But their memory can be honored by pursuing dreams that some want to stop.Striking resilience as
@tomas_niklasson
met surviving girl students of Sayed-ul-Shuhada school attack.Targeting Hazaras must stop & crimes be investigated.
#Afghanistan
- Informative article about reproductive health in Afghanistan. Situation was not good. And is deteriorating. And may be getting worse. - Taliban acting against contraception, ‘calling use a ‘western conspiracy’
#kabul
life: exchanging with colleagues about the situation in the country and in ways to support the
#Afghan
population in need. Thank you Türkiye Ambassador
@cerginay
and
@JapaninAFG
Ambassador Osaka!
Mrs. Malawai Maiwand was helping the EU funded AMIP project
@EuApsm
.
@EUinAfghanistan
offers condolences. Murdering civilians is a crime. Perpetrators will need to answer in a court of law.
Strongly condemn cowardly assassination of a prominent local female journalist,
#MalalaMaiwand
, along with her driver in Jalalabad today- clearly carried out by those trying to sabotage opportunities for peace. Condolences to the bereaved families & eternal peace for the victims!
And meanwhile in Kabul we celebrated the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Afghanistan. Just admire the rich colours and beauty of the traditional Pashtun dress for women from the 19th century with matching shoes.
Important now for all Afghans to stand together and come together for peace. Thank you
@DrabdullahCE
for your steadfast approach and your messages, in pursuit of unity, defence of the republic and a peaceful settlement.
@EUinAfghanistan
Had a frank discussion with HE
@ArnoutPauwels
, the Deputy of
@EUinAfghanistan
. We took stock of the peace process, current developments, & ways to support the peace efforts. He assured me of the EU's full support to AFG, & the call for a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
.
@BelgiumLebanon
- Thank you all for your hard & dedicated work in once again challenging circumstances, serving people from and going to
#Belgium
. Together we’ll reinforce already healthy bilateral ties. Thank you
@BelgiumMFA
for the honor of serving as H.M. the King’s envoy
Trois nouveaux collègues rejoignent l'Ambassade : Arnout Pauwels, Ambassadeur, le Colonel Bart Demuynck, Attaché de Défense, et Pierre-Louis Renard, Premier Secrétaire. Ils sont impatients de découvrir le Liban et de contribuer au renforcement des relations bilatérales 🇧🇪🇱🇧
Courtesy visit of Afghan ambassador designate to the Kingdom of Belgium to the
@BelgiumMFA
, meeting with director of Asia-Pacific department Regine Vandriessche. Wish you and your family the best
@Nsalarzai
A last one (first actually) of the now almost former
@EU2024BE
team working on EDIP in the relevant working party. Thank you, BE colleagues! .
@BelgiumMFA
@BelgiumDefence
Thank you GSC/
@EUCouncil
.
Thank you Spain 🇪🇸 (->31.12.23) and good luck Hungary 🇭🇺 (->01.07.24)!
.
@EUinAfghanistan
For the benefit of the people of Afghanistan and the region, only a Afghan supported, regionally supported and internationally supported political settlement is the only sustainable solution. War, violence and human rights violations are not.
Goed nieuws dat Laura terug is. De Belgische ambassade in Lima werkte hard, met de Peruaanse autoriteiten en met Laura.
#COVID
ー19 Hard werk wereldwijd, in de diplomatieke posten en in Brussel. Vele vrijwilligers.
@BelgiumMFA
Ondertussen is Laura dankzij onze diplomatieke inspanningen en met een repatriëringsvlucht van
@MinBZ
veilig terug in België.
Sommige oplossingen vragen meer tijd, maar onze medewerkers
@BelgiumMFA
blijven keihard werken.
#COVID19BE
CC:
@FreekWillems
#Afghanistan
Dear
@HNeumannMEP
It was my pleasure preparing, organizing and hosting your working visit in
#Kabul
. As you imply, all involved pre- and post August 15 can benefit from an inward look, to do better now. Continued
#EP
interest vital. Thank you.
@EUinAfghanistan
Thank you to everyone who met with me during my trip:
▶️ Women’s rights defenders
▶️ Representatives of minority communities
▶️ Humanitarian workers
▶️ Journalists
▶️ UN representatives
...
And of course, a big thank you to
@EUinAfghanistan
for their support!
@EUAmbAFG
(16/16)
#Afghanistan
- “Amina Mohammed, UN deputy chief reminds Taliban: Islam does not ban women from education.” - There’s a ban on education and on work and there are rights and there are needs. - Read about the important two week trip:
We started with the most important and pressing: listening. Listening to the challenges and opportunities of women in
#Afghanistan
, in their different roles.
In his first meeting visiting Afghanistan as new EU Special Envoy
@tomas_niklasson
met with some of the women of 🇦🇫 today. From actresses to students. From politicians to singers - all a part of today's reality & ready to build this country with the support of the EU.
Thank you
@FawziaKoofi77
and your women colleagues on the IAN Team, among which
@SarabiHabiba
for this nice but telling picture . Your role will be key. Strength, patience and wisdom.
Historic day for Afg.
No war can end with war.People who lost lives during +40yrs are not just figures.Many opportunities,talents and dreams for a better life were buried with them.We continue to suffer.Time to act as responsible citizens and put a dignified end to this bloodshed
Had the pleasure of meeting and working with the very impressive Mrs. Nancy Dupree during my time as Belgian ambassador, based in Kabul (2012-2014).
@acku2007
opened during that time. The center and the work of Mr. and Mrs. Dupree are an unique resource to
#Afghanistan
.
سومین سالروز رحلتِ خانم نانسی دوپری را گرامیمیداریم!
سه سال پیش ( 10 سپتامبر 2017) در چنین روزی خانم نانسی دوپری چشم از جهان پوشید.
او بیش از نیم سده از عمر پُربار خود را وقفِ محافظت از میراث فرهنگی، جمعآوری و آرشیفسازی اسناد تاریخی افغانستان کرد.
Thank you for your insights
@tamimasey
@IWPSAfghanistan
and for being outspoken about
#IHL
Respect for humanitarian law is a key element of EU foreign policy.
@EUinAfghanistan
follows closely the protection or the lack of it of minorities in
#Afghanistan
. No to impunity.
Always a pleasure to interact with EU Heads of Delegations and discuss war and peace. Thank you for the invitation and opportunity Amb
@ArnoutPauwels
and Amb.
@EUAmbAFG
.
@EUinAfghanistan
The Friends of Afghan Women Ambassadorial Group
#FAWAG
is diverse, with the Indonesia, Turkey, EU, UN, US, Netherlands among members, co-chaired by Denmark and Australia. Its main focus is the meaningful participation of women in peace negotiations.
#UNSCR1325
@SMP_AF
This event by
@DrAlema
is a stance by the women of
#Afghanistan
, reacting to recent efforts and events to come to a peace dialogue, in which they where once again sidelined.
A clear message from the 34 provinces: women want their rights upheld & defended, by all, also the IC.
There’s a back-to-work feeling in the 🇪🇺
@EUCouncil
, with 🇧🇪 Ambassador
@Willem_vdVoorde
recording a special message as we approach the Belgian Presidency of the Council on 1st January 2024
#EU2024BE
Stay tuned 🔜 🎥
200 days since the Taliban banned teenage girls from school. Afghanistan is now the only country on the planet denying girls an education
#LetAfghanGirlsLearn
#Afghanistan
: NYT
@MujMash
: “Another mass-casualty attack on Afghanistan's Harzaras today (…)” - I add : religious and ethnic minorities specifically targeted. Multifaceted response needed from DFA: human security based on good governance @
& rule of law. A tall order. Needed.
Another mass-casualty attack on Afghanistan's Harzaras today -- worshipers targeted in mosque just days after children targeted in school.
(And this little line at the end of the NYT news story tells you tales on the mad violence engulfing this world of ours.)
Findings on India, Pakistan, China and regional organisations. Plus recommendations. For the EU, to coordinate funding for regional development and integration. More regional and neighbouring countries in phase 2.
.
@WHO
& partners have provided supplies, salaries of staff, heating for winter & other operational costs that are critical in saving lives. We commend the health workers of Atatürk Hospital for your dedication and service to
#Afghan
children.
@EUinAfghanistan
@WHOEMRO
#Afghanistan
Horrible news. Again a suicide attack in Dashte-Barchi, the Hazara neighborhood of Kabul. 60 dead? Third attack against schools in last two years, in total hundreds killed or maimed for life. - New authorities. Same responsibility. Similar lack of action.
#Afganistan
is the “only country in the world where women and girls are not allowed” to study beyond primary or puberty. This policy comes from a tiny but still powerful or influential minority.
Afghanistan is the only country in the world where women and girls are not allowed to attend secondary schools and universities. No Muslim country or Islamic organization has expressed support for the Taliban’s ban
The signals from leaders last week in Kabul, going from mixed messages to emphatically yes, the schools will open, turned out to be wishful thinking. - The TB leadership, all of them, should now pick up the very clear signals from about the entire population in
#Afghanistan
Indeed, it seems like some IEA understood how catastrophic it would be to deny girls' education. They seemingly thought, exploiting a bit of strategic ambiguity, that they would be able to force the leadership along. And it badly backfired - forcing the IEA onto defense
To kickstart the Belgian presidency
@EU2024BE
, the press team organises a press trip to Belgium that started with a giant political speed-dating:
➖ 70 EU press correspondents
➖ 20 Belgian ministers
➖ 3 rounds of interview
(& months of preps 😉)
Nice challenge 😅, nice result!
The protection of the whole population and safeguarding all their rights is the fundamental duty of the ruler as well as the compact between both.
@EUinAfghanistan
@QaharBalkhi
Human Rights Day 2021: Shaping the Afghan society through equality, inclusion and Human Rights will prevent conflicts and build resilience!
#EU4HumanRights
#StandUp4HumanRights
Pleased to welcome HE Tomas Niklasson
@tomas_niklasson
, the EU Special Envoy for AFG. We discussed the current developments, & ways of durable stability in the country. I thanked
#EU
for its continued humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan.
@EUinAfghanistan
Opening of Tools of Resistance Festival at
#Herat
Citadel, with H.E. Governor & 500+ women:
'Arts, culture & sport can shift immovable boundaries, to unlock the full power of every women, every man, every girl & boy for the peace & prosperity of Afghanistan.'
#16DaysOfActivism
As
@UNDPaf
2021-2022 outlook report showed: when women in
#Afghanistan
are not able to join the labour market, this reduces the number of workers, productivity and economic growth. Facing an economic crisis, it is crucial to allow women to return to the workforce.
#iwd2022
In his latest report on
#Afghanistan
@AntonioGuterres
says the country must deliver on its commitments to international principles, norms and standards against discrimination, inequity, inequality, injustice and impunity.
Report:
Productive meeting with HE Dr. Ahady on
@EUinAfghanistan
@MAIL_AF
cooperation : value chain & agrobusiness development, sanitary standards.
@Agriculture_Afg
is a main driver of socio-economic development.
دیدار #وزیر زراعت با معاون هیأت #اتحادیهی اروپا برای افغانستان دربارهی #توسعهی زراعت تجارتی
آقای احدی گفت که وزارت میخواهد که زراعت افغانستان به شکل پایدار توسعه پیدا کند و تمرکز این نهاد روی توسعهی مارکیت است.
What a pleasure meeting this young present and future leaders. They bring impressive and powerful stories. Building a cross-continental future together. Energizing.
@BelgiumMFA
@asefedu
We are so happy to welcome the students and young professionals who are participating in the ASEF Young Leaders Summit in Brussels! 🙌
We look forward to the outcome of their discussions on
#EthicalLeadership
.
#ASEFYLS3
Thank you,
@ASEFEdu
, for making this dialogue possible! 🙏
#Afghanistan
- Belgian FM on
#ReleaseMatiullahWesa
calling for immediate release. - TB silent, 48 h already, not denying, not confirming. -
@PenPath1
M. Wesa was already an advocate for education under the republic. He's not anti anything, just pro education.
@EUinAfghanistan
Deeply troubled by the arrest of
@matiullahwesa
. Access to education is a basic human right for every child. Targeting those fighting for it, is totally unacceptable. We call upon the df Taliban authorities to release him immediately.
#ReleaseMatiullahWesa
it's getting weird: on a blog with the motto 'academic rigour, journalistic flair' and funded, e.g., by
@SOAS
("the conversation"), a young afghan-american scholar suggest the west supports NRF to set up enclaves in
#Afghanistan
where it could "could restore some education... 2/2
The different surveys will help inform Afghan policymakers. You bring durabe peace through understanding. Crucial work by
@IWPSAfghanistan
Congratulations for scientically solid work.
@EuApsm
supporting.
@SMP_AFT
Strong speech by MP
@Shahgul_Rezaie
3/3. We also had EU Special Envoy
@RolandKobia
and Amb
@ArnoutPauwels
alongwith AUAF President
@david_sed
discussing the findings of our survey. We would like to thank
@EuApsm
and
@Sida
for making this survey possible. This survey is available online at our website.
@EUAmbAFG