Mr. Vice President,

Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Mr. Richard Bennett, for his previous reports and his observations on the recent developments in the country.

The recent reports of the Special Rapporteur and today’s observations gave us a gloomier situation than we had a year ago, the human rights situation continues to worsen, and the country faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Afghanistan’s economic crisis also worsened, with more than 28 million people, nearly two-thirds of the population, requiring humanitarian aid.

We remain deeply concerned that the number of restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women and girls continues to escalate. The situation of women and girls has deteriorated immensely since August 2021, with increasing obstacles to education, employment, expression, association, privacy, movement, and participation in public life. Since January 2024, numerous women and girls have been arbitrarily detained for allegedly violating the Taliban’s dress code for women.

Guaranteeing women and girls’ protection is a direct responsibility of the de-facto rulers of the country and every violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms is subject to accountability. Living in safety, security, and dignity is a very important step towards the respect for basic rights for women, girls, children, young people, and minorities in the country.

We share the same view with the Special Rapporteur that Afghanistan cannot successfully reintegrate into the international community while half of its population is systematically oppressed and excluded from public life.

The future of the country will depend on the meaningful inclusion of all its people, including women, girls, persons with disabilities, older persons, LGBTQI+ persons, and members of all marginalized communities, in every aspect of political, social, and economic life.

Thank you.