EU Statement on UNESCO’s actions in support of Afghans - 222nd Executive Board, UNESCO

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union, and the candidate countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and Andorra, Monaco and San Marino.

The European Union strongly condemns the continued and systemic violation of human rights in Afghanistan, in particular of women, girls and boys, persons belonging to marginalised communities, human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers.

The institutionalization of large-scale and systematic gender-based discrimination by the Taliban is of grave concern. Education is a human right that needs to be granted to every citizen, including women and girls, persons belonging to minorities and persons with disabilities.  Education is at the core of UNESCO’s mandate and we support UNESCO’s efforts to provide alternative learning pathways, especially for girls and women.

The EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting the full, equal and meaningful participation of all Afghans, including women and girls, in all spheres of life. It strongly opposes the denial of their right to education beyond grade 6, as well as restrictions on their freedom of expression, movement, work, and the severe limitation of their participation in public and social life.

The EU is also concerned about the risks to Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and artistic expressions and supports UNESCO’s efforts aimed at protecting them. 

The EU will continue to amplify the voices of Afghans through its partnership with UNESCO. We underline the key role of the UN in Afghanistan and appreciate UNESCO’s work under the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan.