HRC50: The Nordic-Baltic countries stress that Afghanistan can ill afford to exclude half of its population from taking part in efforts to rebuild society
UN Human Rights Council, 50th session
Urgent debate on human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan
1 July 2022
Statement delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries
President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Afghanistan is facing dark times. When our countries addressed this Council in August last year, just after the Taliban took power, we - as many others - appealed to them to “live up to their promises, and to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and respect human rights”. So far, the Taliban has shown no willingness to listen to such appeals from the international community and their own people. Almost one year on, a hard-hit population has no representative government and are suffering the effects of a humanitarian, economic and human rights crisis.
The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has gravely deteriorated and is therefore of particular concern. No country, of any religious persuasion of its people or government denies girls the right to a secondary education – with one exception, Afghanistan. This egregious policy comes in addition to multiple directives and practices significantly impeding women’s freedom of movement, the right to gainful employment and freedom of political, economic, and social participation and decision-making.
A country ravaged by 44 years of conflict, facing dire humanitarian and developmental challenges, can ill afford to exclude half of its population from taking part in the highly necessary efforts to rebuild society.
The international community must continue to support Afghanistan. The Security Council provided UNAMA with a comprehensive mandate to engage. We welcome the visit of Special Rapporteur Bennett to Afghanistan and anticipate his first report to the Council in September. We support the convening of an urgent debate and the establishment of a panel. The UN and the rest of the international community must continue to support the Afghan people. To promote the establishment of a representative and inclusive government respecting the human rights of all citizens, including women and girls.
Thank you.
Urgent debate on human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan
1 July 2022
Statement delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries
President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Afghanistan is facing dark times. When our countries addressed this Council in August last year, just after the Taliban took power, we - as many others - appealed to them to “live up to their promises, and to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and respect human rights”. So far, the Taliban has shown no willingness to listen to such appeals from the international community and their own people. Almost one year on, a hard-hit population has no representative government and are suffering the effects of a humanitarian, economic and human rights crisis.
The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has gravely deteriorated and is therefore of particular concern. No country, of any religious persuasion of its people or government denies girls the right to a secondary education – with one exception, Afghanistan. This egregious policy comes in addition to multiple directives and practices significantly impeding women’s freedom of movement, the right to gainful employment and freedom of political, economic, and social participation and decision-making.
A country ravaged by 44 years of conflict, facing dire humanitarian and developmental challenges, can ill afford to exclude half of its population from taking part in the highly necessary efforts to rebuild society.
The international community must continue to support Afghanistan. The Security Council provided UNAMA with a comprehensive mandate to engage. We welcome the visit of Special Rapporteur Bennett to Afghanistan and anticipate his first report to the Council in September. We support the convening of an urgent debate and the establishment of a panel. The UN and the rest of the international community must continue to support the Afghan people. To promote the establishment of a representative and inclusive government respecting the human rights of all citizens, including women and girls.
Thank you.