HRC59 - NB8 statement - Report of the SR on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Human Rights Council – 59th Session
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic–Baltic states
16 June 2025
Mr. President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.
We remain deeply concerned about the grave human rights violations and abuses, including the widespread and institutionalized system of discrimination and oppression against women and girls, in Afghanistan.
Systematic gender oppression has been further expanded and institutionalized with women facing restrictions including by removal from the justice sector. Today, the judiciary does not have any female judges or prosecutors and no officially registered female lawyers, leaving women and girls with fewer safe channels to report violations and abuses, restricting their access to justice and protection.
Furthermore, dismantling of essential legal protections and institutions safeguarding children’s rights has led to a system where girls and boys are treated as adults. This not only violates their rights; it exacerbates the vulnerability of children and youth and their ability to seek justice. Afghanistan’s youth must be recognized as key stakeholders. Protecting their rights and supporting their participation will be vital for building a more inclusive, peaceful, and representative Afghanistan.
We call on the de facto authorities to fulfil their responsibilities to international human rights treaties ratified by Afghanistan, including by reversing policies and practices that violate these obligations.
Special Rapporteur, how can we support participation of civil society and youth in protecting the right’s of women and girls in the current context in Afghanistan?
I thank you.