UPDATE - Repression of women in Afghanistan unparalleled: UN rights chief

MOVES COMMENTS ON TREATMENT OF WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN TO TOP OF STORY, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) – The repression of women in Afghanistan is unparalleled, the UN rights chief told the Human Rights Council on Tuesday, highlighting that a quarter of humanity lives in places wracked by violent conflict, with civilians suffering the most.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said this repression contravenes every established belief system.

"I am shocked to the core by the contempt for women, and women's equality, that is spawned across the internet by some so-called 'influencers,' feeding social attitudes that make it possible to ignore, or even condone, gender-based violence and the pervasive commodification of women," said Turk.

In his speech, Turk cited gang-led violence in Haiti, police violence against Black people in the US and conflicts in places such as Eritrea, Nicaragua, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan, Sudan and Venezuela.

He said the magnitude of discrimination against women and girls is "one of the most overwhelming human rights violations worldwide," and dismantling it will be a significant focus of the Human Rights Office’s work.

- Women's rights eliminated

"Women and girls' rights to make choices about their lives and participate in public life have been, or are being, eliminated. This repression and persecution of women constitutes a clenched fist around Afghanistan's economy and its future," said Turk.

The rights chief said that such tyranny must be held accountable.

"We will not give up. We will continue to fight for respect for the rights and freedoms of every Afghan woman and girl," he said.

Turning to Iran, he called on its authorities to urgently act on the demands of protestors, particularly women and girls, who endure profound discrimination.

"I remain deeply concerned about 17 protestors who have reportedly been sentenced to death; four have been executed so far, and more than 100 currently face charges that carry the death penalty," the rights chief said, referring to those convicted for protesting in Iran.

Still, Turk said, "the recently announced pardons are a welcome first step," as he urged the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained in the context of protests, which includes foreign and dual nationals.

"All Iranians – including all women and girls – must be free to make their own choices, express their views, and exercise their rights."

Turk meanwhile said the war in Ukraine has led to civilian casualties and destruction of a "shocking magnitude."

"The rights of Ukrainians will be harmed for generations to come, and the war's impact on fuel and food prices, as well as geopolitical tensions, are impacting negatively on people in every region of the world," he added.

He said that such worldwide damage due to warfare in Europe betrays the promises of "transformative change" made at the foundation of the UN more than 75 years ago.

The UN rights chief also said he is "deeply concerned" by trends in Russia.

"The closures of the newspaper Novaya Gazeta and the Moscow Helsinki Group are another sign of the demise of Russia's civic space," he said.

"Constant pro-war messages on state media feed stereotypes and incite hatred and violence. Over 180 criminal cases have been opened on charges related to alleged defamation of the Armed Forces," he added.

- 12 years of war in Syria

"Twelve long years of excruciating bloodshed. Syria is a microcosm of the wounds inflicted by utmost contempt for human rights," Turk said.

"Last month's earthquakes have added to this tragedy. The only way forward must be through respect for human rights and proper accountability of all those who have committed atrocity crimes – both of which Syria has long lacked," he said.

The UN rights chief said that security in central Mali is "particularly alarming" in the border area between Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, with numerous armed groups capitalizing on inter-communal hostility.

Armed non-state groups have perpetrated most violations and abuses, he added.

"Serious violations have also been committed by the Malian Armed Forces, in some instances accompanied by foreign military and security personnel," Turk said.