Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: Enhanced Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls during the 53rd Session of Human Rights Council (19^th June  to 14^th July 2023) delivered by Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India

[Geneva 19^th June 2023]

Thank you, Mr. President,

We are concerned over the report of the Special Rapporteur and the Working Group on discrimination against women and thank them.

2. As a contiguous neighbor and a long-standing friend of Afghanistan, India has abiding stakes in return of peace and stability in Afghanistan. In response to humanitarian needs of the Afghan people, India has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and we are committed to providing more such assistance in future.

3. Our special relationship with Afghan people and the stipulations outlined in UNSC Resolution 2593 have continued to guide India’s approach to Afghanistan. We reaffirm the importance of upholding all human rights, including those of women and girls and call for their full, equal and meaningful participation in sustaining and building on Afghanistan’s gains over the last twenty years.

4. India reiterates the importance of establishment of an inclusive and representative government in Afghanistan that respects the rights of all Afghans and ensures the equal rights of women and girls to participate in all aspects of Afghan society, economy and polity.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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