Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Afghanistan
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 50th Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
And thank you, Madame High Commissioner. We appreciate your personal visit and reporting and OHCHR’s role in supporting human rights in Afghanistan.
The United States stands with the Afghan people in condemning the Taliban’s abuses against the fundamental human rights of women and girls in all their diversity, including freedom of movement and rights to work and education.
We also condemn rising violence that disproportionately targets minorities, continued extrajudicial and reprisal killings, and unprecedented restrictions on the press. They are an affront to human rights and must end.
Afghans across the country have voiced their opposition to these restrictions. The Taliban’s responsiveness to these demands will define our relationship with the Taliban.
The legitimacy the Taliban seeks from the international community depends on its conduct, including its respect for the human rights of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
We share your Office’s concern about the closure of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and call for its re-opening.
Members and observers of the Council should echo these calls in public and in private engagements.
Question: How can we work together to pressure the Taliban to reverse restrictions on human rights?
I thank you.
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