HRC61 - Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan and the OHCHR report - EU Statement

HRC61 - Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan and the OHCHR report - EU Statement

United Nations Human Rights Council

61^st session

Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan and the OHCHR report

26 February 2026

EU Statement

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur and the High Commissioner for their reports, and the speakers for their testimonies.

The EU strongly condemns the ongoing, widespread and systematic human rights violations and abuses by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Their systemic violations of women's and girls' rights may amount to gender persecution.

Special Rapporteur,

Your report documents how the Taliban's repressive policies, which flagrantly disregard Afghanistan's international obligations, severely undermine the right to health and dignity of women and girls. Their impact is only expected to exacerbate due to the prohibition of education of female medical staff. These policies must be revoked.

The EU calls for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, including ethnic and religious minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations as well as LGBTI persons.

We also call for unhindered and unimpeded humanitarian access, ensuring women can work and deliver assistance across Afghanistan.

Victims and survivors of human rights violations and abuses deserve accountability. We welcome the OHCHR's efforts in operationalizing the independent investigative mechanism on Afghanistan.

Only an Afghan-led political process inclusive of all Afghans, with the equal and meaningful participation of women, can ensure sustainable peace, stability and prosperity.

How can the international community support women and girls' access to health services?