Joint statement HRC63
ID with the SR on Afghanistan
7.09.2026
Thank you Mr President.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries.
Mr President, five years ago the Taliban seized power again in Afghanistan and, as documented by the Special Rapporteur, this has led to devastating impact of Taliban policies on children, particularly girls.
We are gravely concerned that girls remain barred from education beyond sixth grade, denying millions their right to education. Reports of rising forced and child marriage are alarming, including cases where a girl’s mere “silence” is deemed sufficient consent to marry. Many girls are effectively confined to their homes, unable to leave without a mahram, for fear of reprisal.
We are equally disturbed by reports of increased gender-based violence, where girls and women are killed within contexts of domestic violence, forced marriage, and family disputes, amid pervasive impunity. These compounding harms, are driving a severe mental health crisis among Afghan children, marked by fear, trauma, and hopelessness.
We call on the Taliban to guarantee children’s right to education, end forced and child marriage, and ensure accountability for all violence against girls and women.
Thank you.