The UN Human Rights Council on Monday unanimously called on the Taliban to revoke all practices that limit the fundamental freedoms of women and girls, stating that the institutionalized discrimination in Afghanistan must awaken the conscience of humanity.
Deep Concern About the Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan
This 47-member body stated that the human rights situation in Afghanistan is seriously deteriorating and expressed deep concern over the "serious, expanding, and systematic" repression of all women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban. The council specifically pointed to the institutionalization of discrimination, segregation, domination, disrespect for human dignity, and the exclusion of women and girls from society, asserting that this situation is intolerable and unjustifiable.
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Developments After the Taliban's Return to Power
The Taliban regained power in 2021 and imposed a strict version of Islamic law. This regime has largely been sidelined by the international community and criticized for its repressive actions. Women have particularly suffered from the Taliban's government decisions, being barred from entering public places including parks and many jobs. Additionally, education for girls over the age of 12 has been prohibited.
The Human Rights Council expressed concern over the "continuing, systematic, and comprehensive" erosion of respect for women's rights by the Taliban, stating that many human rights have been under attack in Afghanistan over the past five years. The Taliban has altered nearly every aspect of public and private life through an expanding network of decrees and institutional controls, creating a society based on ideological alignment, fear, and exclusion.
The council called on the Taliban to "revoke all policies and practices that prevent the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls," including the rights to peaceful assembly, education, work, and voting.
The Human Rights Council also urged the international community to "adjust its engagement with any stakeholders in Afghanistan" regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Afghans. The council condemned all forms of discrimination against women and girls, emphasizing that sexual slavery of boys, child marriages, and forced marriages constitute serious human rights violations.
The council expressed sorrow for the suffering of Afghans and voiced deep concern over the entrenched impunity in the country. This resolution was presented by 37 European countries along with Canada and Chile, and the Human Rights Council extended the mandate of its independent special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan for another year.
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