The ICJ warned the UN Human Rights Council of the dramatic deterioration of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan and called it to act by establishing a monitoring and investigative mechanism.
The statement had to be delivered during the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on her the analytical report on the current state of play of the mainstreaming of the human rights of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations. The ICJ was not able to read the statement during the interactive dialogue, due to the limited time provided for NGO statements.
The statement reads as follows:
“Madam President,
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and shares her view regarding the importance of investigative bodies for accountability for violations and abuses of women’s and girls’ rights in conflict and post-conflict situations (para. 45).
The dramatic deterioration of respect for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan since the publication of the report on 27 July demonstrates that the rights of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situation cannot be protected merely by words.
In line with the High Commissioner’s recommendations, this Council must establish a mechanism adequately staffed and resourced to conduct sustained monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan; and to investigate serious violations of international human rights law and IHL.
I thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949
