Afghanistan’s Statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security

Afghanistan called for Afghan women’s full and meaningful participation in political processes, accountability for gender persecution, direct support for women-led organizations, and the restoration of women’s and girls’ rights to education and employment. The statement stressed that international engagement must never normalize oppression or exclusion.

30 October 2026

Statement by H.E. Mr. Naseer FaiqChargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations

Madam President,

Thank you for convening this debate. I thank Secretary-General António Guterres, Under-Secretary-General Sima Bahous and Afghan civil society representative Tamana Zaryab Paryani for their briefings.

More than 26 years after resolution 1325, the gap between commitments and implementation remains unacceptable. Peace cannot endure when women are excluded from shaping it.

Afghanistan adopted its National Action Plan on resolution 1325 in 2015. Afghan women served as judges, ministers, ambassadors, pilots and parliamentarians. Today, under Taliban rule, those gains have been systematically dismantled.

2.4 million girls are excluded from secondary education. Women are barred from universities, most employment and many public spaces. Restrictions on female UN and humanitarian personnel further undermine assistance. Reports of domestic violence, forced and child marriages, and severe psychological distress deepen this human tragedy. These discriminatory policies contradict Islamic teachings and Afghan traditions. Yet Afghan women continue to protest, teach girls in secret and sustain their communities. Their courage demands action.

We offer four proposals for the Council’s consideration.

First, ensure Afghan women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in every political process concerning their country, including the Doha process. They must shape agendas and decisions from the outset. Their rights must never become bargaining chips.

Second, advance accountability for gender persecution and other serious violations. Sustain UNAMA’s monitoring, support independent investigations, preserve evidence and protect survivors and witnesses. Support complementary accountability efforts through the International Criminal Court and relevant CEDAW mechanisms.

Third, provide direct, flexible and predictable funding to women-led organizations through transparent, accountable arrangements. Protect women human rights defenders from reprisals, provide safe pathways for those at risk and ensure their voices remain present in this Council.

Fourth, demand the reopening of schools and universities to women and girls and the lifting of restrictions on female UN and humanitarian personnel. Support safe, quality education, including online learning, while insisting on full restoration of the right to education.

Madam President,

In conclusion, implementation requires a united, coherent international approach. Engagement must never become a vehicle for normalizing oppression and exclusion. Lasting peace requires legitimate, inclusive and accountable governance grounded in the rule of law, justice and the will of the Afghan people, and committed to Afghanistan’s national and international obligations and the fundamental rights of all citizens.

I thank you.

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