Human Rights Council
56th session of the Human Rights Council
18 June to 12 July 2024
Statement delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi during the side event co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan and Albania, the  Center for Dialogue and Progress - Geneva, Women’s Regional Network, Canada’s Feminist Forum for Afghanistan, Woman Kind Worldwide, Atlantic Council, and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security
Geneve, 19 June 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear excellencies
 
Dear colleagues
 
Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are key objectives of the Government of Albania.  Together with our national goals, we have been promoting gender equality and women’s rights onto the international stage.
 
Last February, during Munich Security Conference, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Hasani joined a number of fellow colleagues from partner countries demanding the international community to continue its focus on the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, while calling for accountability for the systematic persecution by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.
 
Since the Taliban takeover, women and girls in Afghanistan have been and are subject to systematic gender-based discrimination and grave human rights violations. 
 
Their restrictive policies and practices aiming to deny basic human rights and freedoms of women and girls, are in clear violations of international human Rights. This is a blatant violation of our shared commitment to gender equality but a betrayal of the Afghan people who deserve justice, dignity, and respect. 
 
In this context, the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan has continuously been in our focus.
 
Sheltering Afghans in the run from the horrors of the Taliban’s return to power not only constitutes an oath of honor deeply rooted in Albania’s unique tradition of hospitality, but it most importantly demonstrates the resolve of the Albanian Government to provide every single Afghan entering our territory, especially women and girls, with all necessary fundamental means, so that they enjoy human dignity and full security in our country.
 
There are many bright examples of Afghan women and young girls already settled in Albania that have flourished and fulfilled their dreams, either by creating small businesses or projects, either by enrolling to school, either by contributing to life community, thus demonstrating firsthand the power of freedom and opportunities.   
 
Despite that, Albania has constantly been vocal in expressing its great concern as the de facto authorities pursue their systematic discrimination against women and girls.
 
During our two Presidencies of the Security Council in June 2022 and September 2023, and as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, we have prioritized the participation of women civil society briefers and human rights activists in the work of both these bodies.
 
Dear friends,
 
While the international community has raised its voice and expressed condemnation of the Taliban's persecution, we believe there is much more that can be done to alleviate the suffering of Afghan women and girls. 
 
It is necessary for international community to extend its support and amplify the efforts of Afghan women and girls. We must provide them with the resources, expertise, and solidarity they need to rebuild their lives and create a society where gender equality is not just a distant dream but a living reality.
 
We must intensify our advocacy for the voices of women’s civil society organizations and human rights defenders from Afghanistan to be heard and to be considered in relevant international and multilateral bodies, including the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council. 
 
All our efforts to address the overall humanitarian, human rights and socio-economic situation in Afghanistan will fall short if, we fail to urgently address the dire situation of women and girls in the country.
 
Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as meaningful participation in all spheres of public life for all Afghan people, are essential to guarantee the country’s stability and development.
 
Albania has praised the courage, resilience, and strength of Afghan women, who continue to stand up for their fundamental rights – including their freedom of expression, freedom from discrimination and freedom of movement, the rights to peaceful assembly and education – and bravely denounce the regime’s brutality.
 
Thank you