UN: Ireland was "very concerned" that human rights should continue to be placed at the forefront of UN efforts in Afghanistan, the Ambassador to the UN, Mr Richard Ryan, has told the Security Council.
There should be "early progress" in creating a human rights commission in the country.
"We are enormously gratified by the profoundly positive transformation of the circumstances of women and girls in Afghanistan, due to the successful developments of the past six months," he said.
The UN's achievement should not be lost sight of, e.g. food assistance would be provided over coming months to a "staggering" 8.8 million people. "The case of Afghanistan surely proves that an effective, well-supported United Nations is unquestionably indispensable in the world today."
Remarkable progress had been made since the Bonn Agreement and the subsequent establishment of the Interim Authority, under the leadership of Mr Hamid Karzai. "The cabinet has been formed and meets; work has substantially started on an interim budget; a back-to-school campaign is under way; across the range of issues, in summary, a good beginning has been made."
It was essential that the government be able to extend its authority throughout the territory of Afghanistan; that it enhance its legitimacy; and that it reinforce the importance of central authority, particularly in the lead up to the Emergency Loya Jirga due to be convened by June 22nd.
Ireland appreciated the efforts of those contributing to the International Security Assistance Force in consolidating the stability of Kabul and its environs, permitting the return of substantial numbers of UN and other relief and reconstruction personnel.
