Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 52nd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
I want to express my deep appreciation to you, Special Rapporteur Bennett, for your passion, determination, and vital work in Afghanistan and to all the human rights defenders working tirelessly and in dangerous conditions in the interest of the Afghan people.
The United States is honored to join this important dialogue on human rights in Afghanistan.
We are gravely concerned by the continued deterioration of respect for human rights in Afghanistan, exacerbating its historic humanitarian crisis, particularly as it affects women and girls in all their diversity. The Taliban’s edict banning women from working in NGOs has created devastating roadblocks for the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities. Women make up a significant portion of the Afghan NGO workforce and their exclusion has left millions of Afghans without access to lifesaving assistance.
Despite assurances from the Taliban that women and girls would be allowed to continue their education and work, we have seen a complete reversal of these promises. This horrific betrayal has had severe consequences for entire generations of Afghan women and girls, particularly when they serve as head of household. who are now facing unprecedented levels of exclusion and marginalization. We call on the international community to remain unwaveringly united in pressing the Taliban to reverse its oppressive edicts and honor its commitments to the Afghan people.
Afghanistan’s future depends on the accountability of all relevant authorities and the safe, full, and meaningful inclusion of all its people, including women, girls, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTQI+ persons, and members of all marginalized communities, in every aspect of political, social, and economic life.
We must not waver in our commitment to this cause. The United States certainly won’t.
I thank you.
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