The Council of the European Union in a statement on Monday reaffirmed the EU’s “principled commitment” to peace and stability in Afghanistan and to supporting the people of Afghanistan.
The EU Council urged on Taliban to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan and cut all ties with terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, The Council expressed deep concern over the presence of ISIS-K and Al-Qaeda in the country and asked the Taliban to prevent hosting, financing and exporting terrorism from Afghanistan.
The EU Council went on to criticize the Taliban for their actions since the August 2021 overthrow of the previous government, citing a dramatic worsening of the situation in the country.
“The EU deplores that the Taliban’s actions and decisions, contrary to their commitments, have led to the dramatic worsening of the human rights, political, economic and humanitarian situation for the Afghan people, especially for women and girls. This includes continued and systemic violations of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights of the Afghan people, as recognized by international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State Party. The Taliban bear the sole responsibility for the consequences of their actions, orders and decisions and their lack of domestic and international legitimacy.” The statement said.
The statement added that “the EU is alarmed by reports of and strongly condemns the systemic violation of human rights, in particular of women, girls and boys, persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTI persons, human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, former security forces and politicians, despite the so-called amnesty announced by the Taliban.”
In an effort to address human rights abuses and violations of international law, the Council further emphasized the need for accountability. It was noted that Afghanistan is a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and therefore the EU and its Member States are prepared to explore the activation of accountability mechanisms as set out in the human rights treaties to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
The Council of the European Union has urged the Taliban to promptly reevaluate their oppressive measures, particularly those that infringe upon the education of women and girls. The council stressed that the European Union and its member states remain committed to amplifying the voices of Afghan women, enabling the international community to hear their perspectives and take them into account when shaping policies related to Afghanistan.
Regarding the situation of Media in Afghanistan, the statement said “the EU will continue its unwavering support to Afghan independent media, civil society organizations, including those working on human rights and women’s rights, despite the closed and risky space in which they operate.”
The EU also voiced concerns over opium poppy cultivation and trafficking, citing the potential health and security implications in Afghanistan, neighboring and transit countries, as well as in Europe.
