OSCE leaders condemn violence in Afghanistan and destabilization of region, call for respect for human rights and rule of law

VIENNA/STOCKHOLM/WARSAW, 25 August 2021 — OSCE leaders today condemned the violence in Afghanistan, expressed their deep worry about the ongoing developments and reaffirmed the OSCE’s support towards ensuring safety and security throughout the region. 

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, and Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Matteo Mecacci expressed serious concerns over the treatment of Afghan people, particularly women and girls, following reports of increasing violence and a breakdown of law and order in Afghanistan.

“I am deeply worried about the security situation in Afghanistan, in particular for women and girls,” Chairperson-in-Office Linde said. “The international community needs to follow up on reports about violations and abuses of human rights, as well as violations of international humanitarian law. As Chair, I will pay close attention to the consequences of developments in Afghanistan for the OSCE region.”

They stressed the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law as inextricable cornerstones of society, calling for these to be upheld without compromise. 

“Afghanistan has been an OSCE partner for Co-operation since 2003. Our partnership was established and has been maintained on the basis of Afghanistan’s support to OSCE principles and commitments — helping ensure safety, security and equal rights for its people, particularly women and girls,” said Secretary General Schmid. “This will continue to determine the extent of our future support and cooperation.”

The brutal treatment and persecution of civilians as well as human rights defenders, journalists and media workers must end immediately, the OSCE leaders stressed.

“The current situation demonstrates beyond all possible doubt that long-lasting security is only possible when democratic principles are followed by all political actors, and respect for the human rights of all individuals in society is guaranteed,” ODIHR Director Mecacci said.  “Any future cooperation by ODIHR with the Afghan authorities will need to include protection of the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women and girls, as well as active support for civil society.”

A peaceful resolution of the new politico-military situation in Afghanistan is also critical to countries in the Central Asian region, said the OSCE leaders. They emphasized that security and stability in the OSCE region is contingent on the security and stability in neighbouring countries.

They underscored the Organization’s long-standing co-operation and strong partnerships with its participating States and Partners for Co-operation in the region, including Afghanistan, and reiterated the OSCE’s continued support, in line with OSCE commitments and principles, towards ensuring the security, stability, and safety of all people in Afghanistan, the region and beyond.