Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
New Zealand thanks the speakers for their presentations and the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report. We strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and his critical work in ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses.
Mr President, as the speakers’ presentations and Special Rapporteur’s report demonstrate, the human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate.
New Zealand remains gravely concerned by the ongoing, systemic repression of fundamental freedoms for women and girls – including severe limitations on their access to justice and right to equal protection.
The Taliban must fundamentally change its approach on human rights and must comply fully with Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
The Taliban must rescind all edicts and decrees that curtail these fundamental freedoms and human rights. Women and girls must be allowed access to secondary and tertiary education and work; their freedom of movement must be respected; and they must be allowed to participate fully in public life without interference and harassment. Their access to justice must be restored.
Mr President, the current situation is profoundly alarming. New Zealand continues to stand with the brave people of Afghanistan.
Thank you Mr President.