Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council – 54th Session
As delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The United States joins in the outpouring of support to our colleagues and all those affected by the tragic earthquake in Morocco.
Special Rapporteur Bennett, I remain grateful to you for your continued pleas to this Council and your dedicated work, along with all those defending human rights in Afghanistan.
Every time we gather in this room, the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is increasingly grave. The Taliban’s systemic discrimination has gone so far as to attempt to delete woman completely from public spaces, including restricting access to parks and now beauty salons. This is an assault on their human rights, including freedom of movement, freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and right to education. The edicts enforcing this discrimination have also deepened the country’s ongoing humanitarian and economic crises.
The United States is further concerned by credible reporting of human rights abuses of former members of the Afghan government and military, including killings, arbitrary detention, and torture . Those responsible must be held accountable.
It is essential that the international community remain united in insisting that the Taliban reverse their oppressive measures. As my colleague, Special Envoy Rina Amiri, and I have made clear: it is the position of the United States that there can be no path to normalization between the Taliban and the international community unless and until the Taliban ends these extreme attempts to restrict women’s and girls’ exercise of their human rights.
Afghanistan’s future hinges on the inclusive participation of all Afghans in their society and their economy, including women, girls, and all members of marginalized communities.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, what can the international community do to better protect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan?
I thank you.
###