UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan. Not delivered due to time constraints.
Mr Vice President,
The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.
Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, we remain deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of human rights in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s systematic restrictions on women and girls have deprived them of opportunities that many of us take for granted: the freedom to learn, to work, to move freely and to participate fully in society. Afghanistan will never reach its potential while half its population is denied its fundamental rights.
We also note the impact of the Taliban’s repressive policies on children. The consequences of the Taliban’s repressive policies on children will be profound and long-lasting, affecting an entire generation. We fully support the Special Rapporteur’s work to protect children’s rights.
Mr President, Afghanistan currently faces a severe humanitarian crisis. More than twenty-two million people require humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity and malnutrition remain widespread, with women and girls among those most acutely affected.
Special Rapporteur, what more can the international community do to address the worsening humanitarian situation while also protecting the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, girls and children?
Thank you