Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
Aotearoa New Zealand thanks the High Commissioner for his update and welcomes the report provided by his Office.
The increasingly dire human rights situation in Afghanistan is profoundly alarming. As noted in the report, two years on from the Taliban’s takeover of the country, there has been systematic regression of the rule of law and human rights in Afghanistan, particularly with regard to the rights of women and girls.
We endorse the report’s recommendations that the Taliban should fundamentally change its approach on human rights and comply fully with Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
The Taliban should promptly rescind discriminatory edicts and decrees which curtail women and girls’ human rights and fundamental freedoms, enable their access to secondary and tertiary education and work, respect their freedom of movement, and cease interference with other aspects of their daily lives
We ask the High Commissioner, what can the international community do to further support the brave women and girls in Afghanistan who are facing unimaginable restrictions on their human rights?
Thank you Mr President.