The Conference held in Tokyo last July defined the framework of mutual commitments that should shape the long-term relationship between Afghanistan and its partners. Now is the time to make the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework operational and to take full advantage of its potential as a driving force for the sustainable development of Afghanistan.

I would like to conclude by underlining that the United Nations will continue to play a crucial role, both in the year to come and during the transformation decade. We therefore welcome the Council's adoption of resolution 2096 (2013), which renews UNAMA's mandate for another 12 months.

Human rights, particularly women's rights, are the cornerstone of Afghanistan's development. To that end, Finland will continue its cooperation with Afghanistan on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.

Ever since the overthrow of the Taliban, there have been important gains in strengthening human rights and the rule of law. Nevertheless, a lot remains to be done, and no backsliding can be allowed. Afghan citizens, in particular women, still face insecurity in public spaces and at home, as well as a lack of access to an effective and fair justice system and legal representation.

With regard to the human rights situation, the European Union thanks the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for publishing the report on the treatment of conflict-related detainees in Afghan custody in January 2013, and we welcome the constructive response of the Government of Afghanistan to that report.

Respecting the Bonn and Tokyo commitments is important not only for Afghan citizens, but as a sign of progress to taxpayers in the donor countries.

In our development projects, Estonia pays extra attention to promoting women's rights and the well-being of children, as they are the most vulnerable groups. We believe that traditions or beliefs should never be used as a pretext for gender inequality and non-recognition of women's rights. At the recent session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Estonian Foreign Minister, Mr.

We see a strong need for a dynamic UNAMA in the years to come. UNAMA should continue to use its good offices and its political outreach in support of Afghan-led political processes. It should also continue to promote human rights, including the rights of women and children, and support the strengthening of the capacity of Afghan institutions.

Canada encourages the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Afghan Government to press forward with the strengthening of the electoral process. We note with concern that the likelihood of irregularities and fraud remains high and must be mitigated well in advance of elections.

However, elections alone do not make a vibrant, inclusive and democratic society; the Government of Afghanistan must also deliver on its rule of law and human rights commitments. UNAMA's most recent report on the elimination of violence against women noted that there remained a disturbing under-reporting of incidents of violence against women, and a lack of serious investigation into credible allegations.