The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution addressing the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan and demanding the reversal of the severe restrictions imposed on the rights of women and girls in the country.
The European Parliament in a statement said it strongly condemns the escalating human rights violations in Afghanistan, underscoring that the frequency of such abuses has surged exponentially since the Taliban seized control of the country.
The European Parliament emphasized that these violations encompass the severe oppression of women and girls, the enforcement of a policy of gender apartheid, and the targeting of civil society organizations and human rights defenders.
Members of the European Parliament have called upon the Taliban to fully uphold their publicly announced commitment to granting a general amnesty to former government officials and former National Security Forces members. These individuals are currently subjected to arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.
Furthermore, the resolution demands the reversal of the severe restrictions imposed on the rights of women and girls, aligning them with Afghanistan’s international obligations.
The European Parliament has also issued a strong condemnation of the Taliban’s brutal persecution of Christians and other religious minorities as part of their campaign to eradicate them from the country.
In a joint effort, members of the European Parliament have urged the European Union (EU) and its member states to intensify their support for Afghan civil society. This support should include funding dedicated assistance and protection programs for human rights defenders.
The resolution received substantial support within the European Parliament, with 519 votes in favor, 15 against, and 18 abstentions.
