The opening session of the conference featured senior representatives from governments, international organizations, and United Nations entities, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advancing justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights of Afghan women and girls. Speakers emphasized that meaningful participation of Afghan women must remain central to all international engagement concerning Afghanistan.
Canada
Ms. Patricia McCullagh, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reaffirmed Canada’s solidarity with Afghan women and girls, recognizing their continued leadership in defending human rights despite increasingly restrictive conditions.
She highlighted Canada’s continued support for humanitarian assistance, protection initiatives, and international accountability mechanisms, emphasizing that Afghan women must be meaningfully represented in all discussions concerning Afghanistan’s future.
Switzerland
Ms. Régine Gachoud, Head of the Human Rights Diplomacy Section at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
She welcomed the establishment of the Independent International Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan, describing it as an important step toward strengthening international accountability and advancing justice for victims of human rights violations.
Finland
Ms. Anna-Mari Wong Hämäläinen, Deputy Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva, described the situation of Afghan women and girls as one of the most urgent human rights challenges facing the international community.
She condemned the systematic restrictions imposed on women’s rights, including limitations on education, employment, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression, while reaffirming Finland’s solidarity with Afghan women and girls.
European Union
Mr. Michele Cervone d’Urso, Deputy Permanent Representative of the European Union to the United Nations in Geneva, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
He stressed that international condemnation alone is insufficient and must be accompanied by concrete measures that strengthen accountability mechanisms and promote meaningful change.
UN Women
Ms. Sofia Calltorp, Director of the Geneva Office and Chief of Humanitarian Action at UN Women, highlighted the worsening human rights situation facing Afghan women and girls, including recent reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions.
