Statement of Rainbow Afghanistan in Response to the Adoption of Draft Resolution A/HRC/60/L.9

Geneva, 6 October 2025

Rainbow Afghanistan warmly welcomes the adoption of Draft Resolution A/HRC/60/L.9 by the United Nations Human Rights Council on 6 October 2025. We consider this decision a historic and necessary step toward accountability for the widespread human rights violations in Afghanistan. The adoption of this resolution without a vote, by consensus, reflects the international community’s strong commitment to addressing repression and violence against vulnerable populations, particularly the Afghan LGBTQI community.

The resolution establishes an independent and ongoing mechanism to collect, analyze, and document serious human rights violations and international crimes in Afghanistan. This mechanism enables the accurate recording of evidence and follow-up on cases to ensure that perpetrators of violence, discrimination, and systematic repression against women, girls, minorities, and LGBTQI individuals are held legally accountable.

Rainbow Afghanistan emphasizes with deep concern that the LGBTQI community has been systematically ignored and subjected to discrimination and violence throughout the years of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, even before the Taliban’s takeover. Despite the existence of legal and governmental structures, this community was largely unable to access legal and social protection. This historical neglect has resulted in compounded suffering and harm. Since the Taliban’s return to power, repression against LGBTQI individuals has intensified, yet their situation is still frequently overlooked at the international level and by certain official bodies. This reality underscores the urgent need for careful attention and continuous documentation of violations.

The establishment of this mechanism marks a critical milestone for recording evidence, exposing abuses, and supporting the human rights of the most vulnerable populations, especially members of the LGBTQI community. It provides a framework to ensure accountability and deliver justice, representing a historic opportunity to address systemic violence and discrimination.

Rainbow Afghanistan expresses its sincere appreciation to the sponsoring and supporting states of the resolution and underscores the importance of ongoing adherence to this mechanism and meticulous documentation of human rights violations. We hope that this initiative will constitute an effective step toward protecting human dignity, ensuring justice, and promoting accountability for the Afghan LGBTQI community.

Respectfully,

Rainbow Afghanistan

6 October 2025, Berlin Germany