UNITED NATIONS: Britain and Norway have called for the Taliban to be held accountable for human rights violations in Afghanistan, urging an end to restrictions on women and girls and stronger international efforts to document abuses and pursue justice.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, the British representative expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation under Taliban rule, particularly the systematic exclusion of women and girls from public life, education, employment and decision-making.
The representative said the restrictions had deprived millions of Afghans of their fundamental rights and freedoms. Britain would continue working with international partners to defend and promote the human rights of all Afghans, the representative added.
The British representative also raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief. The shrinking space for civil society and independent media, as well as the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, were also highlighted.
The British representative said the UK shared the UN Special Rapporteur’s concerns about the impact of the Taliban regime’s policies on Afghan children and their long-term consequences for the country’s future.
The representative asked the Special Rapporteur what further measures the international community could take to mitigate the long-term effects of Taliban policies on children’s rights, education and future opportunities.
Norway Calls for Accountability of Taliban
Meanwhile, Norway expressed support for international efforts to document human rights violations in Afghanistan and called for the repeal of discriminatory policies targeting women and girls.
Addressing the same committee, Norway’s representative welcomed the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the country’s full support for his mandate and work.
The representative said the Special Rapporteur played a vital role in documenting human rights conditions and ensuring that Afghan voices, particularly those of women and girls, were heard.
Norway remained deeply concerned about systematic discrimination against women and girls, which had severely restricted their fundamental rights and freedoms, including access to education, employment and healthcare, freedom of movement and participation in public life, the representative said.
The Norwegian representative urged the Taliban regime to immediately repeal the restrictions and comply with Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations.
Norway also highlighted the essential role of Afghan civil society and women’s rights organisations, reaffirming its continued support for civil society activists despite the extraordinarily difficult conditions they face.
The Norwegian representative asked how the international community could effectively support civil society and women’s organisations operating in such a restrictive environment without exposing them to further risks.
