17.09.2025 Denmark's statement for quarterly meeting on Afghanistan

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

And let me also thank Special Representative Otunbayeva for her briefing and her service to the people of Afghanistan as we approach the end of her mandate.

Ms. Girowal, thank you for your leadership. Denmark stands with you in your fight for an Afghanistan where all women and girls can live in dignity and equality. Your messages were devastating but they were important to hear, so thank you.

Mr. President, allow me to raise three points.

First, let me convey Denmark’s deepest condolences to those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August.

The earthquake struck at a time of crisis, exacerbating already existing protection challenges, including a dire humanitarian situation. As we have heard, entire communities remain displaced, food insecurity is rising, and critical health services are either overwhelmed or non-existent.

Sadly, even on an issue as fundamental as life-saving assistance, the Taliban’s discriminatory policies are directly undermining the humanitarian response.

At a time when medical assistance is needed more than ever, the Taliban has decided to uphold its ban on Afghan women working for NGOs and UN agencies, and its ban on women pursuing medical education.

To put it bluntly, not only are women banned from becoming doctors, a male doctor is banned from treating any female patient.

We strongly call on the Taliban to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in accordance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and to abide by their obligations under international law. Women and girls who are in a particularly precarious situation must be prioritised in this response.

Even under these extremely challenging circumstances, the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to deliver. They need our continued support.

As an international community, we must step up and scale up funding for the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and importantly, for the Afghan people.

Second, Mr. President,

Denmark remains gravely concerned by the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Afghanistan. Nowhere is this more visible than in the systematic exclusion and erasure of women and girls from Afghan life.

The Taliban-controlled judiciary continues to restrict Afghans’ access to justice and protection, cementing its system of discrimination and oppression.

Regrettably, the Taliban has shown no sign or willingness to ease restrictions. In fact, not one has been reversed since they violently took control of the country four years ago.

Instead, they have continued to relentlessly expand their restrictive policies. The enforcement of the law on Vice and Virtue is a clear and damning example.

The Taliban must immediately allow women to pursue higher education and work in all sectors, and ensure their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in society.

Colleagues,

As a Council, we must be firm.

We cannot allow the most severe women’s rights crisis in the world to become normalised. We cannot turn a blind eye as half of the country’s population is systematically and cruelly erased.

We must insist, resolutely and collectively, that the Taliban must uphold Afghanistan’s international obligations and that they reverse all discriminatory policies.

All those responsible for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. We note in this regard the recent ICC arrest warrants against two Taliban leaders and the ongoing efforts under the UN Human Rights Council.

Third, Mr. President,

Denmark continues to support the Doha process as the framework for principled international engagement.

We welcome UNAMA’s efforts to develop a political roadmap and underline the importance of inclusive dialogue, including with Afghan women, civil society and representatives of diverse ethnic and religious communities.

The Doha process must stay anchored in the recommendations of the UN Special Coordinator and follow a clear step-by-step, conditions-based approach.

Engagement on the Taliban’s priorities can only advance if there is reciprocity on their part. We must demand this progress in deeds, not just words.

So in closing,

Afghanistan’s people – they deserve a future marked not by despair and exclusion, but by dignity, opportunity, and hope - especially for its women and girls.

Denmark remains unwavering in its support to upholding the rights and aspirations of all Afghans. And we look forward to working with all Council members to this end. 

I thank you.