GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 12 – The Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Marie Sol Fulci, took the floor today to discuss the situation in Afghanistan with a special focus on the condition of women and girls.
Addressing the Interactive dialogue on the the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, in the framework of the 51st session of the Human Rights Council, she observed that the situation in Afghanistan “remains deeply alarming, particularly for those who are in the most vulnerable situations and are exposed to higher risks, women and girls, children, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTIQ+ persons and servants of the Republic’s government”. Fulci added that Italy is “extremely concerned about the shrinking space for civil society and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression”. She underlined that this situation, further exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis, requires a sustained attention of this Council and of the international community as a whole.
During an Enhanced Interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, in the framework of the 51st session of the Human Rights Council, the Italian diplomat welcomed this further opportunity for the Council to address the “staggering regression in women and girls’ enjoyment of all human rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power”. Fulci reiterated “Italy’s unwavering commitment to the full, equal, effective and meaningful participation, inclusion, and empowerment of all women and girls in all spheres of life, as well as their protection from all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence”.
The Deputy Permanent Representative renewed Italy’s call on the Taliban to “urgently take steps to lift the unacceptable restrictions imposed on the rights and freedoms of women and girls, including the right to education and freedom of movement, and eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls”.
“We commend the courageous women and girls in Afghanistan striving to defend their rights and calling for accountability for all violations and abuses and respect of their dignity. We stand with them and with the Afghan women and girls in the diaspora” underlined the Deputy Permanent Representative Fulci, while also stating, in conclusion, that they deserve the full support of the Human Rights Council and of the international community. (@OnuItalia)
