Human Rights Council – 60th Session
General comment on draft resolution L.9
The Situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Statement by Iceland
6 October 2025

Mr. President,

Let me begin by thanking the core group for draft resolution L.9 for presenting this timely initiative to the Council. Iceland has consistently called for a comprehensive investigative mechanism for Afghanistan. The threshold for such a mechanism was long reached.

Every day, the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls, suffer grave human rights abuses. As reported by the Special Rapporteur, the Taliban have expanded and institutionalized gender oppression, excluding women and girls from public life, banning education, and rendering them socially, politically, economically, and legally marginalized. Afghan women themselves have described their plight as gender apartheid, a call that merits serious discussion.

The international community must remain firm and united in supporting the Afghan people. We must not allow this situation to become normalized. Today’s resolution is therefore vital.

Establishing an independent investigative mechanism, with a comprehensive mandate and broad scope, alongside renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is a crucial step toward accountability for grave international crimes and for preventing further violations.

Afghan women and girls have shown extraordinary courage and leadership. It is our shared responsibility to ensure their voices are heard, their rights upheld, and their full enjoyment of all human rights guaranteed.

Iceland is proud to co-sponsor this resolution. We urge all members of the Council to support the draft resolution, both regarding the establishment of the independent mechanism and for the continuation of the Special Rapporteur, and to adopt it by consensus.

Thank you.