Afghanistan: Joint Call for a UN Independent Accountability Mechanism
Led by the Afghan Human Rights Defenders in Exile Network, HRD+, and based on extensive consultations with Afghan civil society and human rights defenders, the OMCT and 73 Afghan and 16 international human rights organisations and civil society organisations have signed an open letter proposing urgent steps for the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council to address the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The appeal calls not only for the renewal and strengthening of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, but also for the provision of adequate resources for effective monitoring and translation.
Besides, an independent mechanism is requested, to investigate, collect and preserve evidence of human rights violations and crimes under international law to ensure accountability.
It also calls for a committed dialogue on the oppression of women and girls and the examination of the recognition and codification of gender-specific apartheid as a crime under international law.
The letter urges the international community to honour the Human Rights Council's commitment to protect human rights and ensure accountability.
