Adoption of the UPR WG Report for The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Delivered by Lisa Brodey
UN Human Rights Council – 26th Session
Geneva,
June 19, 2014
The United States welcomes the return of the delegation from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Council and appreciates the opportunity to comment on the final Working Group report from Afghanistan’s Universal Periodic Review.
We welcome Afghanistan’s acceptance of recommendations to investigate allegations of human rights violations by members of the Afghan National Security Forces, as well as recommendations to allow the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission to safely operate and carry out its mandate in an effective manner.
We note that Afghanistan accepted recommendations calling for full implementation of the Elimination of Violence Against Women law and thorough investigation of all suspected cases of gender based violence and violence against defenders of women’s rights and to bring those responsible to justice.
We are disappointed, however, that Afghanistan did not accept recommendations to put an end to the criminal prosecutions of women who have fled their homes.
We urge Afghanistan to reconsider this decision.
We understand that Afghanistan continues to examine recommendations to expand cooperation with special procedure holders, including with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, and with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences.
We strongly encourage Afghanistan to accept these recommendations.
We thank Afghanistan for seriously considering all UPR recommendations and look forward to its implementation of accepted recommendations.
Thank you.