The European Parliament formally expressed its full solidarity with the Afghan people, in particular Afghan women and girls whose human rights have been violated, on Thursday 16 September. The resolution on Afghanistan, adopted by 536 votes (96 against), deplores the violent takeover by the Taliban and expresses strong concerns about the future of the country.
It reflects the debate MEPs had with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell (see EUROPE 12790/9).
In it, MEPs underline their refusal to recognise the all-male Taliban interim government of 33 mullahs, many of whom are under US and UN sanctions and wanted for terrorist activities, and express their deep concern about the evolving humanitarian, economic and refugee crisis in Afghanistan.
They believe that a secure, peaceful, and democratic future for Afghanistan lies in an inclusive, negotiated political settlement.
Parliament reiterates its commitment to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and post-conflict reconstruction—“only credible path to long-term and inclusive peace, security, and development”.
Deploring the lack of communication between the US and European countries, the European Parliament calls on the European External Action Service to present a critical assessment of the process by the end of the year.
It calls on the EU and its Member States to work together to facilitate the further evacuation of EU citizens and Afghans at risk.
MEPs stress the importance of a transparent and prompt investigation into all reported violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Parliament calls for increased UN-coordinated humanitarian aid and welcomes the EU’s offer of more than €200 million, with an additional €100 million announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the day before.
While it recognises “that operational engagement with the new de facto Taliban government is necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in need and safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wishing to leave the country”, it says that contact must be limited.
Parliament also urges EU Member States to reassess pending and recently received asylum applications, including rejected applications, stressing that there should be no forced returns to Afghanistan under any circumstances.
With regard to development cooperation, Parliament calls on the Commission to examine all ongoing development projects to see which ones could be pursued with local partners or NGOs and international organisations, without interference from the Taliban regime, with the participation of women, with security guarantees for development workers, and with effective safeguards against corruption as conditions. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)