KABUL (SW) – Although Afghanistan was one of the first countries to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, it remains at crossroads as far as its implementation is concerned.
December 10 marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. Disagreements between Afghanistan’s current de-facto government and the international community regarding human rights have created challenges in the country’s efforts to break free from isolation.
On this occasion, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) once again called on the Islamic Emirate to prioritize human rights for the progress of the country and its future generations.
UNAMA, emphasizing security advancements and the reduction of violent armed conflicts in Afghanistan, quoted Rosemarie DiCarlo, the UNAMA head, who said: “Power comes with responsibility. The claim of the ruling authorities to represent the people of Afghanistan in the United Nations must be accompanied by genuine efforts to uphold and advance our shared standards and values.”
In response to the UN’s call, the Islamic Emirate officials state that the government has made commendable efforts in the area of human rights, focusing on ensuring security and preventing bloodshed and the suffering of the Afghan people.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, has urged the international community to consider the cultural values of individual countries when discussing human rights.
“Cultures vary; for example, there is one culture in the West, another in Central Asian countries, and something different in African countries. It is not appropriate to demand the same thing in Afghanistan because we have our own religion and culture,” Mujahid told Salam Watandar.
The most significant criticisms raised by the international community against the Islamic Emirate over the past three years have been regarding women’s and girls’ right to work and education. Despite these criticisms, the Emirate has shown little flexibility on these issues.
However, Nasir Ahmad Faiq, the acting permanent representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, told Salam Watandar that the continued deprivation of Afghan women and girls from education and employment could have harmful consequences for the country.
Faiq added: “In Afghanistan, women and girls are being deprived of their basic rights. Denying access to education, banning employment, and restricting fundamental freedoms not only violates human rights but also jeopardizes the future of the country.”
Political analyst Wali Frozan commented on the situation, saying: “All of this has become a tool in the hands of major powers, particularly those that fund human rights institutions, such as the United States. As a result, the expected outcomes are not achieved.”
While the world continues to stress the importance of safeguarding human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights are being widely violated in some parts of the world, including Gaza, due to ongoing political and military conflicts.