At the quarterly meeting on Afghanistan, Slovenia reiterated its grave concern over the country’s discriminatory policies against women and girls and strongly condemned the Taliban’s continued ban on girls’ and women’s education, as well as the systematic violations of their human rights. Deputy Permanent Representative (PR) Ondina Blokar Drobič further urged the immediate reversal of restrictions on Afghan women working for the UN, stressing that these measures severely hinder the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to those in need.

The overall situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with the Taliban’s restrictive policies undermining the economic, social, and personal lives of Afghans—particularly women, girls, and minorities. “The socio-economic exclusion of over half of the population exacerbates security risks and fuels instability,” emphasized the Deputy PR.

UN Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva underlined that “after three and a half years of schools beyond grade 6 remaining closed to girls, a generation is at serious risk of being lost—at enormous long-term cost to the country.” She added that a recent UN Women survey shows “the vast majority of Afghans oppose this ban.”

Education is a fundamental right for all, including Afghan girls. It is not only key to their personal futures, but also to building a stable, inclusive, and prosperous Afghan society. “We continue to call for the immediate reversal of the ban on girls’ education, alongside all other discriminatory measures targeting women,” Deputy PR Blokar Drobič stated.

She particularly noted the restrictions on Afghan women working for the UN, which severely impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance, as well as the broader ban on women working, which entrenches unacceptable discrimination.

In conclusion, Slovenia called for justice and an end to the cycle of impunity, and welcomed recent developments regarding the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Taliban leaders. Accountability for serious violations and abuses against women and girls remains essential for achieving sustainable and lasting peace.

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