On Thursday 5 October, MEPs adopted by a very large majority (519 votes in favour, 15 against and 18 abstentions) a joint resolution concerning the persecution of former Afghan government officials.
In this resolution, the European Parliament expresses its deep concern at the escalation of human rights violations in Afghanistan (at least 800 cases have been recorded by the UN) under the Taliban regime.
It strongly condemns these violations, in particular the persecution of former government officials and members of the security forces, but also the oppressive treatment of women and girls and the targeting of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
A new amendment adopted also deplores the deterioration in religious freedom and the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.
Among other things, the European Parliament is calling on the Taliban to honour its commitment to an amnesty, demanding the establishment of an accountability mechanism under the aegis of the United Nations to investigate human rights violations and calling for the release of those who have been unjustly imprisoned.
It also insists on maintaining “strict conditional engagement” with the Taliban and on increased support for Afghan civil society and humanitarian aid.
Read the resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/8wi (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)