UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The UN General Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution accusing the Taliban of violating the human rights of Afghan women and girls, failing to form a representative government and plunging the country into “grievous economic, humanitarian and social conditions.” to have.
The resolution also pointed to the ongoing violence in the country since the Taliban takeover 15 months ago and the presence of terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State and its affiliates, as well as the presence of “foreign terrorist fighters”.
Germany’s UN Ambassador Antje Leendertse had hoped that the 193-strong General Assembly would agree to the German-brokered resolution by consensus.
But a vote was requested and passed 116-0, with ten countries abstaining – Russia, China, Belarus, Burundi, North Korea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. 67 countries did not vote.
General Assembly resolutions, unlike Security Council resolutions, are not legally binding, but they do reflect world opinion.
The adoption came on the same day that the Taliban, who had already banned girls from middle and high school, banned women from gyms and parks.
Before the vote, Leendertse told the assembly that since the Taliban took power in August 2021, Afghanistan has experienced “a massive economic downturn and a humanitarian crisis” that has left half the population facing “a critical level of food insecurity.” be.
“We anticipate a severe winter and needs not seen in recent decades, with little prospect of economic recovery and poverty reduction,” she warned.
Leendertse introduced the resolution and told the gathering that the Taliban control the country but are failing in their responsibility to meet the needs of the Afghan people.
“The resolution is a clear call to respect, protect and uphold human rights, develop inclusive governance and fight terrorism,” she said. “It sends a clear message that without this there can be no business as usual and no path to recognition.”
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The resolution pledges further UN support to the Afghan people “to rebuild a stable, secure and economically self-sufficient state free from terrorism, drugs, transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, and corruption, and to strengthen the foundations of a constitutional democracy as a responsible member of the international community.”
It calls for improved access for aid workers and recognizes the need to help address Afghanistan’s economic challenges, including efforts to restore the banking and financial system and allow central bank assets — primarily in the United States — to be used for Supporting the Afghan people.
The resolution expresses deep concern about human rights abuses against women and girls, including sexual violence, and calls on the Taliban to promote “the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in all aspects of Afghan society.”
It condemns all attacks, reprisals and violence against journalists and media workers and calls for their perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The resolution reiterates the Assembly’s expectation that the Taliban will honor their commitments to allow safe exit for all Afghans and foreigners wishing to leave the country.