HRC63 - EU Statement - Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan EU Introductory Statement
UN Human Rights Council
63th session – Item 2
Resolution L.8 – Introduction
Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan
EU Introductory Statement
Mr President,
Allow me to begin by stressing that we deplore the civilian deaths following airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand. UNAMA has confirmed at least 10 civilians killed, most of them children, and nine people injured.
We urge both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. All parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian harm.
Mr PresidentI have the honour to present, on behalf of the European Union, draft resolution L.8 entitled “Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan”.
It has been five years since the Taliban took over Afghanistan by force. Five years during which the Taliban have continuously violated Afghanistan’s international obligations, most notably when it comes to women’s and girls’ rights..
To quote the Special Rapporteur: “the Taliban's unrelenting restrictions, policies, and practices not only violate the human rights of Afghans, but are reshaping the social fabric of the country. The education system excludes girls and indoctrinates boys. (...). The institutions that once offered protection have been dismantled, and now Taliban decrees reach into the most private areas of life.
The Taliban deny women’s and girls’ equal humanity in words and in deeds. Their relentless silencing of dissent is abhorrent.
Persons belonging to minorities, including ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Hazara, persons in vulnerable situations, and LGBTI persons continue to face human rights violations and abuses, often compounded by intersectionality. Civil society space has been decimated.
Mr President,
This Council has a duty to react and stand in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
And will do so by renewing, as is clearly warranted, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. It also did so, last year, by creating the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan – a major, comprehensive step for accountability and justice for all victims and survivors of Taliban violations and abuses.
If adopted, L.8 will reinstate an enhanced interactive dialogue during the June session. This responds to a strong ask by fellow member states and civil society. The Taliban have tried to silence the women and girls of Afghanistan. We cannot accept that. We must ensure that their voices remain at the centre of international efforts, including at this Council.
We thank all delegations for their constructive participation in the negotiations.
We call upon all members of this Council to adopt this resolution by consensus.
I thank you.