United Nations Human Rights Council, 58th session
Interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Denmark on behalf of the Nordic–Baltic states: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
28 February 2025
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President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Denmark.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his reports and presentation. We remain deeply concerned by the institutionalized system of discrimination, exclusion and marginalization of women and girls in Afghanistan, and the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that heightens their risk of abuse.
The PVPV-Law further entrenches the oppression and segregation of women and girls from public life in Afghanistan, with severe human and socio-economic consequences.
We stress the importance of accountability and call on the de facto authorities to abide by the obligations of Afghanistan under international law, including CEDAW and the Rome Statute. We fully support the work and independence of the ICC to ensure accountability for serious international crimes, including crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds.
We remain firm supporters of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and we commend his commitment to the people of Afghanistan.
Special Rapporteur, how can the international community work to support full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation of Afghan women in shaping the future of Afghanistan?
Thank you.