Situation of human rights in Afghanistan

Notes with deep concern the intensification of armed hostilities in Afghanistan and the ongoing further deterioration of the situation of human rights; expresses in particular its deep concern about the frequent practice of arbitrary arrest and detention and summary trials throughout the country, which have resulted in summary executions as well as the application of forms of punishment prohibited under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; calls upon all the Afghan parties fully to respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to bring an end to discrimination on the basis of gender and to the deprivation of human rights of women without delay; urges all the Afghan parties to work closely and to cooperate with the UN Special Mission to Afghanistan with a view to achieving a comprehensive political solution leading to the cessation of armed confrontation and to the establishment of a democratic Government elected through free and fair elections; demands that all Afghan parties fulfil their obligations and commitments regarding the safety of all personnel of diplomatic missions, UN and other international organizations, including their premises in Afghanistan; expresses its deep concern about reports that new landmines have been laid and appeals to all parties to stop deploying such devices; appeals to Member States and to the international community to provide adequate humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and to the Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries; requests Member States to take appropriate measures to prevent the looting of cultural artifacts and to ensure their return to Afghanistan.

Adopted without vote, 70th meeting

4 p.

Adopted at the 70th plenary meeting, 12 Dec. 1997.