Resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women’s rights

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, in particular the situation of women’s rights.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR the Left groups and Members.

The de facto authorities of Afghanistan pledged on 15 January 2022 to allow girls to return to school at all levels after the start of the new school year in the second half of March 2022. However, the Taliban have indefinitely extended the ban on allowing female students to attend seventh grade and above until they can decide which uniforms are most appropriate for girls. This denies secondary level education to over one million girls and is a violation of the fundamental right to education for all children as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Moreover, according to a new directive, Afghan women are not allowed to travel distances of more than 45 miles (72 km) from their home without the accompaniment of a close male relative.

Against this background, Parliament is deeply concerned about the humanitarian and human rights crisis that has been unfolding in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover as well as the deteriorating situation of women and girls.

It condemned the Taliban’s persistent focus on erasing women and girls from public life and denying their most fundamental rights, including the right to education, work, movement and healthcare as well as its decision to postpone the return of girls above grade six to school indefinitely, despite their previous commitment to allow every citizen to access education.

Furthermore, Parliament deplored the Taliban’s repression of peaceful women’s rights protests in Afghanistan and called for the immediate release of female police officer Alia Azizi, who was arrested in Herat in October 2021, as well as the release of any other women’s rights activists that may be detained, and for the intimidation and harassment of these activists to be stopped.

The resolution called on the de facto authorities to:

- uphold their commitment to ensuring the right to education for all Afghan citizens, including women and girls;

- guarantee all women and girls full rights and access to reproductive healthcare across Afghanistan;

- end harassment, threats and attacks against teachers and students;

- form an inclusive government that involves women in the decision-making process at all levels;

- fulfil their counterterrorism commitments.

Parliament insisted on the need to develop a new EU strategy for Afghanistan that is adapted to the situation of women and girls in order to concretely promote women’s rights and their participation in public life. It also reiterated its call for a special visa programme, enhanced resettlement schemes and effective guaranteed protection for Afghan refugees.

Lastly, the EU and its Member States are urged to:

- take further steps to make humanitarian aid more transparent and effective;

- increase their support to women’s rights activists in Afghanistan;

- support and protect those fleeing Afghanistan.