France will remain a strong advocate of women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan

Excellencies,
Dear friends,

I would like to thank the Organizers for convening this important meeting.

I would also like to thank all women from Afghan civil society who have shared their valuable experiences.

We have heard your messages and we stand with you.

France is deeply concerned by the constant report of human rights violations which affect women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover.

We strongly condemn any form of violation of these fundamental rights.

We are also worried by the growing humanitarian crisis in the country.

In this regard, our action in the past 6 months and for the future remains guided by one objective : helping the Afghan people, in particular women and girls.

Our action therefore relies on three key priorities.

First, we call for the respect of human rights and the inclusion of all women and girls in the public life of the country.

Afghanistan is a party to CEDAW and all its obligations. International obligations can’t be “à la carte”.

Women represent almost 49% of the Afghan society.

A civil society cannot exist when half of the population is denied access to its very basic rights.

Women and girls should have an equal access to schools, health services and public infrastructures.

Second, we call for the respect of international humanitarian law.

This is a pillar on which no compromise can be made.

It also means that female aid workers must be allowed to deliver aid in all provinces.

We have provided and will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the population.

France has already announced 100 million euros last September for the humanitarian response in Afghanistan.

Third, we strongly reaffirm our commitment to holding the Taliban accountable.

We therefore support a robust mandate for UNAMA when it comes to women, peace and security.

Finally, the establishment of a representative government is also part of our expectations.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Afghan men and women have fought for more than twenty years for access to education and freedom of expression : these gains must be preserved.

Rest assured that we will remain strong advocates of women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan to ensure that they are never ever left behind.

Because protecting Afghan women’s rights is protecting all women’s rights all over the world, Ukrainian, Yemenite and the Sahel, …

Thank you.