Afghanistan Peace CampaignVolker Turk, expressed concern at the session about the human rights situation, particularly women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate, responding to criticism of Afghanistan’s human rights situation during the 57th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, claimed that the meeting and its discussions were one-sided.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, emphasized the importance of having a representative from the Islamic Emirate at such meetings, arguing that without a representative from the caretaker government, the reports presented are biased.
Fitrat further stated: “There is no one representing Afghanistan in this session, and it is conducted in a one-sided manner. Therefore, the reports presented are also one-sided and unreliable, which we cannot endorse. Our demand is that a representative of the Islamic Emirate should be present at all meetings concerning Afghanistan to address concerns and refute any unfounded reports with logical arguments.”
Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern at the session about the human rights situation, particularly women’s rights in Afghanistan, stating that this situation jeopardizes the country’s future. Turk also mentioned that they are engaging with the caretaker government to change these policies.
“It is essential that Afghanistan uphold the quality of women and men and indeed the rights of all people, my office will continue to engage with the de facto authorities…… and take meaningful steps to fulfill human rights,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights added.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, said that human rights violations in Afghanistan are not limited to the past three years but have occurred over the past four and a half decades, and those responsible must be held accountable. Bennett also said that normalizing relations with the Taliban should be conditional on their respect for human rights.
Richard Bennett said: “Human rights crises in Afghanistan are not three years old, human rights have been violated in four and half decades of conflicts, all parties to the conflict are responsible and must be held accountable.”
The Canadian representative at the Human Rights Council session called for lifting the travel ban on Richard Bennett to Afghanistan.
“We condemn this disregard for the human rights of millions of Afghans and we remain committed to amplifying their voices and defending their rights. Mr. Special Rapporteur … we call on them to grant you the access,” he said.
Pakistan, representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also criticized the reduction in humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan and called for an increase in assistance.
“According to the report under discussion, 23.7 million people would require humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, and only 16.2% of the required US dollar 3.5 billion in funding was received for the Afghanistan humanitarian needs and response plan for 2024; in this context we reiterate our call and stress upon the international community and donor agencies to continue the humanitarian assistance as underfunding will significantly increase the risk of malnutrition and other associated risks,” he said.
The 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is set to continue until October 11, and extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan is part of the agenda for this session.
