Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Human Rights Watch Oral Statement
Mr. President,
We thank the Office for their report, which highlights the systematic denial of human rights, justice and reparation to generations of Afghans, and widespread human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, by multiple parties over four decades of conflict.
This Council needs to do more to address the Taliban's sweeping abuses, particularly their crimes against women and girls - which the Special Rapporteur has identified as "gender apartheid" - and to address decades of entrenched impunity in Afghanistan.
Two weeks ago, the Taliban introduced an egregious new law with even more extreme rights restrictions on women and girls, banning them from singing, even speaking, in public. Yet Afghan women continue their brave resistance despite the grave risks, which deserves our meaningful support.
We need action not just words. This Council cannot carry on with business as usual.
In keeping with the "all tools" approach advocated by the Special Rapporteur, with over eighty Afghan and international organizations we urge this Council to establish an independent international mechanism, to investigate and advance accountability for grave abuses. It should be mandated to take the "comprehensive approach" recommended in the OHCHR report, "[encompassing] all the different periods of the conflict and responsibilities of all parties and perpetrators."
This mechanism would be distinct, but complementary, to the Special Rapporteur's mandate, which remains vital. This Council should fully renew the Special Rapporteur for a further two years this session, ensure adequate resources and press for cooperation with him.
Thank you.
