On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials.
Parliament strongly denounces the severe human rights violations in Afghanistan and warns that since the Taliban takeover of the country the frequency of human rights abuses has risen exponentially in the country. This includes the staggering oppression of women and girls, a policy of gender apartheid and the targeting of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
MEPs call on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to fully enforce their publically announced commitment to a general amnesty of former government officials and former National Security Forces members who are being subjected to arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture. They also demand reversing severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls in line with Afghanistan’s international obligations.
The Parliament also condemns the Taliban for their brutal persecution of Christians and other religious minorities as part of efforts to eradicate them from the country. MEPs call on the EU and member states to step up their support for Afghan civil society including by funding specific assistance and protection programmes for human rights defenders.
The text was adopted by 519 votes in favour, 15 against and 18 abstentions.
