16 June 2025

EU Statement

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur and panellists, in particular for bringing the voices of the women of Afghanistan to the HRC.

The human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains catastrophic.

The EU condemns the systematic and systemic human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan. We particularly condemn extreme gender-based discrimination by the Taliban against women and girls, which may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity under the Rome statute, to which Afghanistan is a party. The EU reaffirms its support for the international criminal justice system, for the fight against impunity, and for preserving the ICC’s independence and integrity.

As reported, the Taliban has reshaped Afghanistan’s legal system to serve their ideological and misogynistic model of governance. We call on the Taliban to render their policies and practices consistent with the international human rights obligations of Afghanistan. 

Furthermore, many Afghans are affected by entrenched harms that arise at the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination. The EU calls for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities including ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Hazara, as well as LGBTI persons. 

What are viable ways to end the cycle of impunity- and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violations and abuses inside Afghanistan, especially in relation to violations against women and girls?