UNHRC DEBATES OVER AFGHANISTAN’S WOMEN’S RIGHTS CRISIS.

he Human Rights Council chamber was anything but quiet as delegates

clashed over the worsening situation for women and girls in Afghanistan.

Crosstalk, note passing, and weak audio projection repeatedly disrupted the

flow of debate, while several speakers struggled to clearly defend their

positions on one of the committee’s most urgent crises.

What emerged from the session was not just disagreement, but a clear divide

over how the international community should respond. The debate centered

on whether the solution lies in pressure on the Taliban, humanitarian support,

community-based education, or long-term institutional assistance for the Afghan

women and girls.

During the first General Speakers List, Egypt called for support through

community-based education and refugee-focused measures. Russia

emphasized the protection of women’s rights and urged the United Nations

to continue working with Afghan authorities for the sake of female workers.

The delegates condemned the relegation of women to second-class status in

Afghanistan, and questioned how such policies could be justified. India framed

the issue as a basic human rights concern and suggested funding online

classes to ensure continued access to education. Pakistan called for

cooperation-based solutions, while China supported structured talks with

Afghan authorities and the protection of humanitarian workers. Saudi Arabia

proposed online schools, women-only schools, and healthcare facilities for

women. Afghanistan itself pushed for a joint UN-Afghan group on education

and expanded community-based initiatives.

As the session moved forward, the lack of clear rebuttals and the inability of

Some delegates ' answers to the Points of Information weakened the quality of

discussion.

Turnip Rizzden

JICA