The deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, Hamdullah Fitrat, stated that the rights of all Afghan citizens are protected and that women’s education is an internal matter.

In Afghanistan, no one’s rights have been violated, and the rights of every person are respected. The definition of rights varies by country. Since we live in an Islamic society, we define them within the framework of Sharia (Islamic law), and we consider their protection a religious obligation.

Previously, Human Rights Watch had expressed concern about the violation of human rights in Afghanistan, particularly those of women, and the continued restrictions on girls’ access to education.

The international organization also noted that UN member states have not taken significant steps over the past four years to address the grave violations in Afghanistan.

Regarding accountability, we call on UN Human Rights Council member states to establish a new independent investigative mechanism that can collect and preserve evidence for future prosecutions, Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said.

This comes as the Islamic Emirate approaches the fourth anniversary of its return to power and continues to claim that the issue of women’s education is an internal matter.

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