Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe human rights situation in Afghanistan was once again discussed at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Representatives of several countries, including Australia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Germany, Türkiye, Canada, Japan and Malaysia, expressed concern over the human rights situation in Afghanistan and called for restrictions on women and girls, particularly in education and social life, to be lifted.
They stressed that the international community should consider the long-term consequences of the current situation for future generations of Afghans.
Atsuyuki Oike, Japan’s representative, said: “Japan calls on the Taliban to respect Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations, lift restrictions on women and girls, and ensure their full and equal enjoyment of human rights.”
Australia’s representative announced sanctions against several senior members of the Islamic Emirate and said Australia, together with its international partners, is pursuing efforts to hold Afghanistan accountable for its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Jamie Cooper, Australia’s representative, said: “Australia has sanctioned a number of senior Taliban members under our autonomous sanctions regime against Afghanistan. Australia, together with our international partners, is also pursuing legal action against Afghanistan under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.”
Türkiye’s representative described education as a universal human right and said lasting stability in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without respect for human rights and an inclusive government.
Malaysia’s representative, meanwhile, stressed the importance of dialogue and engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability and development require the participation of all Afghans.
Malaysia also called for continued cooperation with the United Nations to support children.
Mustafa Jamal Rashdi, Malaysia’s representative, said: “Malaysia emphasizes that Afghanistan’s long-term stability and development require the meaningful participation of all Afghans. We encourage the de facto authorities to take practical steps toward greater inclusivity, including by ensuring that women and girls can continue their education and participate in society.”
Ahmet Zengi, Türkiye’s representative, said: “It is essential for Afghanistan’s prosperity and future that all girls, without exception, have access to education. Lasting stability in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without respect for human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, and without an inclusive government.”
Alongside human rights concerns, Qatar’s representative focused on Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation, saying that more than 22 million people, equivalent to 45 percent of the country’s population, are in need of humanitarian assistance.
He added that Qatar has supported Afghanistan through mediation, dialogue and humanitarian assistance.
Abdullah Behzad, Qatar’s representative, said: “Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s largest and most complex humanitarian crises. More than 22 million people, equivalent to 45 percent of the population, need humanitarian assistance, and the crisis has been exacerbated by insecurity, economic vulnerability, climate shocks, displacement, declining aid and the continued freezing of assets.”
Although the Islamic Emirate has not recently commented on the issue, it has repeatedly said that the rights of citizens, particularly women, are protected within the framework of Sharia.