31st Special session of the UN Human Rights Council
Intervention by the delegation of Ukraine
(24 August 2021)
Madame President,
Ukraine is deeply concerned about the recent developments in Afghanistan, especially in light of the reported violations of human rights across the country. We stress that all relevant actors must respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and guarantee the protection of Afghan citizens, as well as foreign nationals.
We call for a safe and unhindered humanitarian access for humanitarian actors to ensure that the assistance reaches the affected population.
We underline the importance to preserve and build on the political, economic, and social progress made by the Afghan people in the last two decades. All necessary measures should be taken to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
Ukraine is committed to providing assistance to all those who need it in these difficult circumstances. Last week, the Ukrainian aircrafts safely evacuated dozens of Ukrainian, foreign and Afghan citizens from Kabul.
A famous Afghan film director Sahraa Karimi, who was evacuated with her family from Kabul thanks to help from Slovak, Turkish and Ukrainian governments, is now safe and sound in Ukraine. Yesterday, during the first ever summit of first ladies and gentlemen held in Ukraine at the initiative of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, we heard the testimony of this courageous person Sahraa Karimi who pleaded for the international community not to fail the women and girls of Afghanistan who want to live free like any human being. Today I wish to reiterate that plea and urge the Council to attach utmost priority to the situation of women and girls of Afghanistan who need our action now.
Thank you.