Enhanced interactive dialogue on Afghanistan

53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, EID on Afghanistan, Nordic-Baltic Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi, Permanent Representative of Finland, 19.6.2023.

Mr President,

I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Finland. We welcome the joint report.

We commend the Special Rapporteur’s valuable work and appreciate his access to the country.

Afghanistan has the duty to comply with various international human rights conventions, including CEDAW, and conventions prohibiting torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment

Supporting human rights defenders and civil society space remains our priority.

We strongly condemn the systematic discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan, which may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity. This systematic crackdown on women’s and girls’ rights damages the entire Afghan society, also boys and men.

Without access to education at all levels, girls and women of Afghanistan lose the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Female professionals are crucial for the delivery of basic services not least healthcare and perinatal care. Education is key for protecting girls and women from violence, poverty and exploitation.

The use of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments is deeply concerning.  

The severe lack of respect for international obligations by the de facto authorities only further isolates Afghanistan from the international community.

Thank you.