Third Committee: Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Statement delivered by Ms. Clare Skinner, First Secretary, Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations
28 October 2026
Thank you Chair.
Since its return to power five years ago, the Taliban has shown contempt for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.
Australia condemns the Taliban’s systematic repression of human rights, including its targeting of women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ persons, and civil society actors.
The Taliban has sought to erase women and girls from public life, restricting their rights to education, employment, healthcare and freedom of movement, while interfering in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Special Rapporteur, your report highlights the impact of these edicts on children and young people, while underscoring their resilience, creativity and determination.
Australia is taking practical action. We have sanctioned senior Taliban representatives under our autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan.
Together with international partners, we are taking legal action against the State of Afghanistan under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
Special Rapporteur, what further steps can the international community take to end the Taliban’s human rights violations, and to support the next generation in building a more just, inclusive and peaceful Afghanistan?