Eoin Ryan
Ceist:61 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has highlighted the treatment of women in Afghanistan under the Taliban. [19078/96]
Written Answers. - Afghan Conflict.
I refer to my replies to Questions No. 86 of 10 October and No. 123 of 15 October 1996 wherein I informed the House that the Government is seriously concerned about the continuation of hostilities in Afghanistan and urges all parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution of their differences through negotiation.
The Government has also expressed its concern at the interpretation of Islamic law being advanced by the Taliban whereby women are restricted from working outside their homes and girls, according to some reports, will no longer have access to education. The Government has called upon the Taliban Interim Council to respect basic human rights and to ensure that, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, its policies avoid gender discrimination.
The current situation in Afghanistan is both complex and fluid: there have been reports to the effect that the Taliban have come under attack by rival factions which have forged an anti-fundamentalist alliance. The European Union is actively considering its response to ongoing developments in Afghanistan. On 16 October 1996 the issue was also addressed by the United Nations Security Council, on which occasion the Presidency intervened on behalf of the European Union.
The delegation of Ireland to the current 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly has already been in consultation with the promoters of the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan in the Third Committee. Ireland is in favour of highlighting the situation of all women throughout Afghanistan in the resolution and in particular the deprivation of their rights by the Taliban.
Furthermore, the statement by the EU at the Third Committee on the situation on human rights throughout the world will be delivered towards the end of November and it is the intention of the Presidency to include in this statement a call on all the parties in Afghanistan to cease immediately all violations of the human rights of women and children and to allow international aid agencies the fullest possible access to those in need of assistance.