HRC 51 - EU Intervention: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan

Thank you Mr President.

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and his work.

The EU remains deeply alarmed by the increase of human rights violations and abuses and international humanitarian law violations in Afghanistan. Accountability must be ensured and, in this regard, we recall that Afghanistan is a party to the Rome Statute.

The situation of women and girls’ rights continues to deteriorate. The EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to the full, equal and meaningful participation of all women and girls in all spheres of life in Afghanistan, as well as to their protection from all forms of violence.

Furthermore, persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities and groups, LGBTI persons, human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers suffer killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, physical abuse and torture. This is unacceptable.

The shrinking space for civil society and restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms remain a primary concern.

The EU has defined five benchmarks as principles for engaging with the Taliban.. So far, the Taliban have failed to uphold any promises made. We call on the Taliban to enable the full implementation of the human rights mandate of the UNAMA.

Special Rapporteur, how has having a specific access to the Afghan territory impacted your work? How can the HRC support you in following-up on this first important report?