The United States Joined the Following Joint Statement at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council
This EU-led statement has been joined by over 70 countries.
Mr President,
We are deeply concerned about the systematically deteriorating situation of women’s and girl’s rights in Afghanistan.
The full realization of the right to education for all is an essential condition for achieving sustainable development and a multiplier right that supports the empowerment of all women and girls to realize their human rights. The ban on women and girls’ secondary and university education in Afghanistan deprives them of the enjoyment of their human rights, which all individuals should enjoy on the basis of equal conditions and opportunity, in a non-discriminatory manner. It also undermines Afghanistan’s capacity to move towards sustainable peace, economic and social development, and the realization and enjoyment of all human rights.
Additionally, the order barring female employees of national and international NGOs from the workplace puts at risk millions of Afghans who depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival.
Mr President,
We share a commitment to facilitate a future where all Afghans, without any form of discrimination, can participate in Afghan society, including the full, equal and meaningful participation of Afghan women.
We therefore urge the Taliban to respect the full exercise of all human rights by women and girls, in accordance with international human rights law.
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