HRC57 - NB8 statement - Afghanistan

Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session
Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
9 September 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.

We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its stocktaking report, highlighting accountability options and processes for addressing the many grave human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan.

The gravity of the situation calls for the continuation of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. We strongly support its renewal.

The de facto authorities continue to issue and enforce draconian decrees. The most recent “law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” that bans women and girls to speak in public makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for women to engage in public life.

The de facto authorities’ recent announcement barring the Special Rapporteur from entering Afghanistan is a deplorable development. This obstruction is alarming and could serve to further erode accountability and justice in Afghanistan.

Mr. Bennett,

How can you continue to support the full, equal, and meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in shaping their future now that you have been blocked from travelling to Afghanistan?

And, how can you support women in Afghanistan in their attempts to pursue a dialogue with the de facto authorities?

I thank you.