UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

55th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan

EU Statement

Mr. President, 

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

The EU deplores the severe deterioration of the human rights situation in Afghanistan. We condemn the systematic human rights violations and abuses by the Taliban. We urge them to respect all human rights, especially those of women and girls, and of persons belonging to minorities, including ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Hazara, and LGBTI persons. Protection from violence, equal access to work, and education for all must be provided, civic space restored, and NGOs, human rights defenders, activists, journalists and media workers allowed to operate freely without the fear of retaliation.

We reiterate our concern that persecutions on the grounds of gender, ethnicity and religion, crimes against humanity defined in the Rome statute to which Afghanistan is a party, may be occurring. The EU reiterates its support for the ongoing ICC investigation, the mandate of the special rapporteur and that of UNAMA, and the appointment of a UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan capable of uniting the international community and coordinating our efforts. Accountability is key.

Special Rapporteur,

The Taliban claim that they made enough progress for increased engagement by the international community. What is your assessment? How do you see human rights being incorporated in a UN-led engagement process?