Afghans, particularly women and girls, are enduring a severe humanitarian and human rights crisis, as highlighted in the latest report presented at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The report, delivered by a Special Rapporteur, outlines the systematic assault on women’s and girls’ rights by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. These actions have been described as gender persecution and characterized by experts as gender apartheid.
The call for accountability is clear. The Special Rapporteur notes that not only do Afghan women and girls face significant barriers in accessing justice, but the justice system itself has been manipulated to enforce their oppression. The urgency of international action to address entrenched impunity for grave rights abuses was recognized by consensus at this Council last year.
In response to these findings, there is an appeal for the establishment of an additional independent accountability mechanism without delay. This mechanism would support ongoing efforts for accountability at various levels, including at the International Criminal Court and through initiatives like CEDAW toward potential cases before the International Court of Justice.
The Council is urged to act swiftly in establishing this mechanism to demonstrate that the international community will not ignore human rights violations in Afghanistan. States are called upon to collaborate in implementing recommendations set out by the Special Rapporteur’s report.
