The European Parliament adopted by 532 votes to 8, with 25 abstentions, a resolution on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially the deterioration of womens rights and attacks against educational institutions.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.
Deterioration of human rights and women's rights
Parliament condemned the dramatic regression in women and girls exercise of their rights under the Taliban, a situation that currently qualifies as a gender apartheid. It called on the de facto authorities of Afghanistan to ensure that all gender-based restrictions on women are lifted and that they can again actively participate in public life in Afghanistan. This must be a key condition for any engagement of the international community with the Taliban.
Members denounced the ban on girls attending secondary schools, recalling the Taliban's promises that women would once again have access to education. They therefore demanded that the Taliban honour their commitments, lift the ban and resume classes without delay.
The resolution also denounced the continued targeting of human rights activists, journalists and other civil society actors, LGBTIQ+ people, dissidents and judges, as well as the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations and dissenting views throughout the country. It disapproved of the increasing marginalisation of and attacks on minority groups.
Access to information
Parliament regretted that since the Taliban takeover, access to information has become increasingly difficult, journalistic independence has been severely curtailed and civil society organisations are under increasing pressure from the de facto authorities. It called on the Taliban to provide an environment in which journalists, media and civil society organisations can operate without hindrance or fear of reprisals.
Humanitarian situation and climate change
Concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, Members urged countries to strengthen and coordinate their humanitarian assistance with UN agencies and non-governmental organisations. Concerned about the devastating consequences of climate change and environmental degradation in Afghanistan, they called for urgent action by the international community to help Afghans cope with this dramatic situation.
Long-term strategy
The EU has a firm position on any political dialogue with the Taliban, which is based on five thematic benchmarks based on the principles of respect for human rights for all and the rule of law. Parliament pointed out that, since 15 August 2021, there has only been a clear deterioration in all these benchmarks, which means that any legitimisation of the Taliban authorities cannot be justified. The current criteria should be updated with a view to establishing a long-term EU strategy on Afghanistan, given that the Taliban have failed to deliver on any of their initial promises.
Parliament called on the UN Human Rights Council to establish a complementary ongoing accountability mechanism to investigate all alleged violations or breaches of human rights law constituting crimes under international law, in particular violence against women and girls.