HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan

United Nations Human Rights Council

63^rd Session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan

7 September 2026

EU Statement

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

Five years after the Taliban takeover, its stranglehold on Afghan society has only been tightening.

Girls are reaching adulthood having been denied secondary education. Safeguards protecting children's rights are dismantled. Civic space continues to shrink. Public executions and corporal punishments remain widespread

The decree on "criminal rules of courts" legalizes violence against women unless it amounts to a "severe beating" resulting in "a fracture, a wound or bruising". It enables violence against children and targets LGBTI persons, including by the death penalty.

The EU strongly condemns all human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan. The systematic and systemic violations of women's and girls' human rights may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute.

All measures impeding women's and girls' access to health services must be reversed immediately. The rights of persons belonging to minorities, persons in vulnerable situations and LGBTI persons must be guaranteed.

Sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan require a political process that is inclusive of all Afghans and ensures the equal and meaningful participation of women. Accountability is essential. The EU will therefore financially support the operationalization of the independent investigative mechanism on Afghanistan and calls for its adequate funding.

Special rapporteur,

How do you envisage your collaboration with the IIMA?