HRC 51 - EU Intervention: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation of human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan

Thank you Mr President.

The EU thanks the speakers for their compelling statements.

The regression in women and girls’ enjoyment of all human rights since the Taliban took power is staggering.

We salute the courage of women and girls in Afghanistan, who remain at the forefront of efforts to preserve their enjoyment of human rights, continuing to call for accountability and for respect of their dignity, as well as the commitment of Afghan women of the diaspora.

We stand behind and will continue to support women and girls in Afghanistan.

Mr President,

The EU calls on the Taliban to end all human rights violations and abuses against women and girls, and to reverse the unacceptable policies and practices that cancel all progress made in the past twenty years. Full accountability is essential.  

Women and girls in Afghanistan must be able to participate fully, equally and meaningfully in all spheres of public life,  live free from all forms of violence, have free and equal access to health, employment and education, as well as freedom of movement.

We call on the Taliban to immediately open schools for girls of all ages, as they have promised.

We would like to ask the speakers: how can the international community best support your efforts to improve the human rights situation for women and girls in Afghanistan?