HRC 60: Enhanced interactive dialogue on Afghanistan with Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, Mr.Richard Bennett. (1 minute and 30’)

                                                                              Geneve, September 8, 2025

Thank you, Mr. Vice President,

Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for today’s update and reiterates its unwavering support for his tireless work in documenting the grave and systematic human rights violations in Afghanistan and his mandate. We also commend OHCHR for its continued efforts to monitor and report on the human rights situation under extremely challenging circumstances.

Since the Taliban’s takeover, the situation in the country is deteriorating rapidly. The Taliban have institutionalized a system of gender apartheid, denying women and girls access to education, employment, healthcare, and public life. These policies are codified and enforced with cruelty.

The persecution extends beyond gender. Ethnic and religious minorities face exclusion and repression. Human rights defenders, journalists, artists, former officials, and LGBTQI individuals are subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, extortion, and executions. Afghanistan’s independent legal system has collapsed, replaced by arbitrary edicts. Justice is virtually non-existent.

Mr. Vice President

Albania stands firmly with the people of Afghanistan and rejects any kind of normalization with Taliban rule in the absence of measurable progress on human rights. We reiterate our support for every international effort that aims to ensure accountability in Afghanistan. Accountability is not optional – it is imperative and a legal necessity.

I thank you.