Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the report provided by the Special Rapporteur and endorses its recommendations.
The already dire human rights situation in Afghanistan is increasingly alarming. As noted in the Special Rapporteur’s report, the systematic violation women and girls’ human rights is worsening. This, compounded with Afghanistan’s devastating humanitarian and economic crisis, has negatively impacted almost the entire population, with groups in vulnerable situations disproportionately affected.
New Zealand is dismayed by the Taliban’s continued regressive edicts that further limit women’s and girls’ rights to fully participate in society and seek an education, most recently banning women from working for non-government organisations. As noted by the Special Rapporteur, this is tantamount to gender persecution. We call upon the Taliban to reverse these deplorable actions immediately and to adhere to international human rights and international humanitarian law.
Mr President, for many months now, New Zealand and the international community have expressed our grave concern about reports of serious human rights abuses in Afghanistan, particularly those impacting on women and girls. Unfortunately, the situation has only deteriorated.
New Zealand stands with the brave people of Afghanistan, especially Afghan women and girls. We strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and recognise the call by Afghan civil society for accountability for human rights violations and abuses.
We ask the Special Rapporteur, what more can we do to ensure accountability for human rights violations?
Thank you Mr President.