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From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

As we mark five years since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, I reiterate Ireland’s unwavering support for the Afghan people and the restoration of their fundamental human rights.

Over the past five years, women and girls in Afghanistan have been subjected to an appalling campaign of discriminatory violence, abuse, and exclusion. The Taliban’s restrictions on their access to education, employment, freedom of movement and public life are an assault on human dignity..

I remain deeply concerned by the broader human rights situation in Afghanistan. The impact of the Taliban’s barbaric policies on vulnerable groups and minorities has been profound. The Hazara people and other vulnerable groups, including LGBTQI+ persons, face systematic, degrading abuse, and have experienced untold suffering under this regime . We will continue to use every international and European forum at our disposal to see these discriminatory measures ended, and to uphold the rights that all Afghans are entitled to.

Accountability is essential. Ireland will continue to support international efforts, including the establishment and operationalisation of the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism on Afghanistan, to ensure these abuses are documented and those responsible are held to account.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I will continue to do all I can to uphold this commitment and use the platform which our current EU Presidency provides. I will highlight the need for continued international attention and pressure on the Taliban to cease their appalling practices and fully restore the rights and dignity of all Afghans.

The people of Afghanistan continue to endure a deep humanitarian crisis because of the Taliban’s policies. I remain committed to supporting vulnerable communities in Afghanistan and Afghan refugees across the region through our humanitarian partners. Since 2020, Ireland has provided more than €20 million in humanitarian assistance, including significant support this year to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, UNHCR and Concern Worldwide. We will also continue to provide protection to those fleeing persecution through the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. We will continue to advocate for their rights, dignity and freedom, and we will not cease our call for the full reversal of the Taliban’s discriminatory and oppressive policies.