Cyprus was part of a group of 50 countries, including all 27 Members of the European Union, on behalf of which a joint statement was issued today, 18 August, expressing concern about the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan in light of the latest developments in the country.
Apart from the 27 Member States of the European Union, the statement below was co-signed by Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, European Union, Honduras, Guatemala, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Senegal, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.
STATEMENT
We are deeply worried about Afghan women and girls, their rights to education, work and freedom of movement. We call on those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan to guarantee their protection.
Afghan women and girls, as all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. Any form of discrimination and abuse should be prevented. We in the international community stand ready to assist them with humanitarian aid and support, to ensure that their voices can be heard.
We will monitor closely how any future government ensures rights and freedoms that have become an integral part of the life of women and girls in Afghanistan during the last twenty years.
EEAS Press release here.
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Photo ©UNICEF/Husseini