Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the SR on the situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, during the 51^st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (12 September 2022)

Madam Vice-President,

We have taken note of the report of Special Rapporteur.

2. As a contiguous neighbor, India has abiding stakes in ensuring the return of peace and stability in Afghanistan. India has been a long-standing partner in the development of Afghanistan, given our strong historical and civilizational linkages.
3. 
   In response to the humanitarian needs of Afghan people, India has dispatched 32 tons of medical assistance, including essential life saving medicines, anti-TB medicines and 500,000 doses of the COVID vaccines. India has also supplied over 40,000 MTs of wheat to Afghanistan so far.

4. We believe that humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence; it should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all Afghans, particularly the most vulnerable, including women, children, and minorities.
5. 
   Our special relationship with the Afghan people and the stipulations made in UNSC Resolution 2593 have continued to guide India’s approach to Afghanistan. The Resolution has set forth the expectations of the international community in clear and objective terms, including for ensuring that the territory of Afghanistan is not used to launch terrorist attacks against other countries; formation of a truly inclusive and representative government; combating terrorism and drug trafficking; and preserving the rights of women, children, and minorities.
6. 
   India continues to call for an inclusive and broad-based dispensation in Afghanistan which represents all sections of Afghan society.

I thank you, Madam Vice  President.

Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: Enhanced Interactive dialogue with the SR on the situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, during the 51^st Session of Human Rights Council (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by                   Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary, Permanent Representative of India       (12 September 2022)

Mr. President,

We thank the Speakers for their presentation and share their concerns about the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.

2. As a contiguous neighbor and long-standing partner of Afghanistan, India has enduring stakes in ensuring return of peace and stability there. Given our strong historical and civilizational linkages with the Afghan people, we express our concern at the recent developments in Afghanistan which adversely impact the well-being of women and girls.

3. There has been an increasing attempt towards removing women from public life in Afghanistan. The basic rights, including freedom of speech and opinion, access to education and medical care for women and girls have been drastically hampered.

4. We join others in calling for full protection of rights of women and girls, ensuring that the long-fought gains of the last two decades are not reversed. We also urge the UNAMA to make all efforts to ensure that the rights of women, children and minorities are respected and preserved.

I thank you, Mr. President.