HRC51 - NB8 statement - Human rights situation of women and girls in Afghanistan

Human Rights Council – 51st session

Item 2 – Enhanced ID on human rights situation of women and girls in Afghanistan

Nordic – Baltic Statement, delivered by Sweden

12 September 2022

Mr President,

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.

We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, including the continuous human rights violations and abuses, the lack of political inclusion and the growing humanitarian needs.

Promises made by the Taliban to respect human rights have not been fulfilled. This is particularly true when it comes to women and girls, whose lives have changed dramatically to the worse.

We strongly condemn the imposition of restrictive measures for women and girls, excluding them from work, education, politics, and public life. Afghanistan will never find peace and stability if half the population is left out.

We urge the Taliban to take immediate steps to ensure women’s and girls’ full and equal enjoyment of all human rights, including freedom of movement, freedom of expression and access to education and work.

It is time the Taliban back their words with concrete action.