‘All Humans Are Born Free and Equal’: UN Urges Taliban to Uphold Human Rights in Afghanistan

In a poignant call for the protection and promotion of human rights in Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Sunday. The mission urged the de facto authorities, the Taliban, to embrace their legal obligations and ensure a future for Afghanistan that is stable, peaceful, and prosperous.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, emphasized the historical significance of Afghanistan’s support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The declaration boldly asserts that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” serving as the bedrock for subsequent human rights treaties worldwide.

Speaking on the 75th anniversary, Otunbayeva reminded the de facto authorities of their responsibility to uphold international human rights treaties that Afghanistan remains a party to. She emphasized that human rights, particularly those of women and girls, must be safeguarded for the country’s future prosperity, cohesion, and stability.

Despite some improvements in the security situation post the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, the human rights landscape in Afghanistan remains bleak. The Taliban’s track record has been marred by systematic discrimination against women and girls, excluding them from various aspects of daily and public life.

The UN mission has been documenting egregious violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, ill-treatment, corporal punishment, arbitrary arrests, and detentions. Particularly alarming is the suppression faced by those advocating for human rights, especially for women and girls. Activists and defenders encounter arbitrary arrests, threats, and censorship for their courageous stance.

Fiona Frazer, the Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Afghanistan, acknowledged the sacrifices made by Afghan human rights defenders. On Human Rights Day, she expressed solidarity with those who are paying a heavy price for championing the fundamental tenets of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – peace, justice, and freedom.

The UNAMA’s call is not only a plea for adherence to international legal obligations but also a recognition of the resilience shown by Afghan human rights defenders in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not mere words but a collective commitment to ensure the dignity and rights of every individual.

The international community, while acknowledging the complex geopolitical realities in Afghanistan, stands united in urging the Taliban to transition from a history marked by human rights abuses. The call resonates with the hope that, on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Afghanistan can embark on a new chapter, one that upholds the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity for all.

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