MONITORING (SW) – Concerns have been raised at the UN Security Council over the continued closure of girls schools in Afghanistan.
Norway’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Trine Heimerback ahead of closed consultations in the Security Council on Afghanistan, said the continuous infringement on human rights for girls and women is detrimental to ‘peace and stability’ and a matter that belongs on the Council’s agenda.
Norway had requested this meeting on Afghanistan. “Taliban policies continue to focus on oppressing women and girls rather than addressing the economic crisis”, she said, adding since the Taliban came to power, women’s and girls’ rights have been rolled back in areas of great importance to their lives: like access to education, employment and healthcare, and even to move around freely. The consequences are that women are excluded from public life.
These restrictions will also severely limit Afghanistan’s ability to respond to the catastrophic economic and humanitarian situation, which again may lead to violence and radicalization, she said.
Norway announced it will continue to communicate its deep concern directly to representatives of the Taliban.
Also, as penholder on Afghanistan in the Security Council, Norway said it will continue to work with all Council members, to send another joint message to the Taliban to respect the rights of Afghan women and girls.
ENDS
