Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr Vice-President,
New Zealand thanks all the speakers for their presentations. We would like to express our condolences to the people of Afghanistan for last week’s devastating earthquake.
The latest report and today’s presentations again paint an alarming picture of the human rights situation in Afghanistan – one that continues to demand global attention and condemnation. For this reason, we strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and his crucial work in ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses.
New Zealand remains gravely concerned by the ongoing, systemic regression of fundamental freedoms for the people of Afghanistan – particularly the severe repression of women’s and girls’ rights. The Taliban must fundamentally change its approach on human rights and must comply fully with Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
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. The Taliban must rescind all edicts and decrees that curtail these fundamental freedoms and human rights.
New Zealand continues to stand with the brave people of Afghanistan.
We ask the panel, how can the international community better support and amplify the voices of the women and girls of Afghanistan?
Thank you