Statement on Afghanistan to Human Rights Council 46th session of Universal Periodic Review

Mr Vice-President,

The situation in Afghanistan is dire. Afghanistan must immediately uphold the fundamental rights of all Afghans by complying with international human rights law. New Zealand is deeply concerned with the systematic deterioration of women’s and girls’ rights in particular.

New Zealand recommends that Afghanistan:

1. Rescind discriminatory edicts and decrees, issued since August 2021 by the Taliban, which curtail the fundamental human rights and freedoms of women and girls; and people of ethnic, religious and other minority groups;
2. Permit women and girls to access secondary and tertiary education and work, including work for the UN, international NGOs and the civil service;
3. Remove any barriers preventing women’s and girls’ freedom of movement and participation in society, including leaving home unattended, playing sports and visiting public areas; and,
4. Investigate and appropriately prosecute all cases of violence against women and girls.

Thank you Mr Vice-President.