HRC52 - Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Geneva, 6 March 2023
 
National statement
delivered by
 
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
 
 
"Mr. President,
 
Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. The sharply deteriorating human rights situation, the absence of encouraging developments and the fact that Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, make for a grim account.
 
That the Special Rapporteur reiterates the recommendations outlined in his initial report is dispiriting. It seems that the justifiably horrified reactions from around the world to Afghanistan’s descent into authoritarianism have had no effect on the course set by the Taliban – a course of regression, repression, and relentless erosion of respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.
 
We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s intention to dedicate his next thematic report to the situation of the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, for nowhere in the world have the violations of women and girls’ rights and freedoms been more drastic than under Taliban rule, in the 1990s and now. We share the Special Rapporteur’s concern about the commission of international crimes as the Taliban pursue their systematic attempt to erase women and girls from all spheres of social, economic, political and public life, or the widespread and systematic attacks against minorities. And we stand ready to engage with the Special Rapporteur to help Afghans find the space to breathe, as they stand up to the de facto authorities for their human rights.
 
I thank you."