The European Union’s envoy to the UN, Olof Skoog, has warned the UN General Assembly that «nowhere else» but in Afghanistan are girls and women banned from attending school, a situation he called «unacceptable».
«The human rights situation of women and girls continues to deteriorate. The EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to the full, equal and meaningful participation of all women and girls in all spheres of life in Afghanistan, as well as to their protection against all forms of discrimination and violence,» he said, adding that this measure «must be immediately revoked.»
In this regard, Skoog stressed that the EU is «alarmed» by the human rights situation in the country, especially with regard to religious minorities, such as the Hazara, and ethnic groups, such as the Shiite population.
The EU envoy to the UN also expressed concern for the LGTBI community in the country, as well as for human rights defenders, journalists and other types of communicators. He also focused on physical abuses, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture and killings in the Asian country.
«We advocate for the protection and enforcement of human rights and fundamental freedoms (…) Accountability must be ensured and, in this regard, we recall that Afghanistan is a party to the Rome Statute,» he said.
On the other hand, he explained that the country is experiencing a «deep humanitarian and economic crisis» that will continue to deteriorate «during the coming winter». «In the absence of a legitimate and recognized Afghan government, the EU has worked tirelessly with the international community to find pragmatic, creative solutions,» he told the UN General Assembly.
Skoog recalled that the EU has committed more than 300 million euros in humanitarian aid and mobilized 330 million euros to maintain basic services through UN partners as well as local and international organizations and NGOs.
«The EU has re-established a minimum presence in Kabul to ensure the delivery of assistance, facilitate operational coordination and represent EU policies and positions,» he said, recalling that it is «essential» to enable humanitarian operations in the country.
«The Taliban must respect the independence of humanitarian operations and guarantee all humanitarian personnel, including female personnel, safe and unhindered access to all territory,» he said.
Finally, Skoog conveyed that the EU supports the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan. «The efforts and reports of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennet, are also highly appreciated,» he stressed.
«We want to reaffirm that the EU and its Member States will stand by the Afghan people and that we remain committed to stability, prosperity and sustainable peace in Afghanistan and the region. This will require an inclusive political process with full, equal and meaningful participation of all Afghans,» he concluded.
