Marking the International Human Rights Day, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) underscored the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its importance for Afghanistan and has called on the Islamic Emirate to support equal rights for all Afghans, UNAMA said in a statement.

According to UNAMA, this year’s global Human Rights Day theme centers on “equality," saying “all human beings are born free of and equal in dignity and rights.”

UN Secretary General Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, has called on the Islamic Emirate to support the principle of equality and non-discrimination.

“The principles of equality and non-discrimination are paramount for the enjoyment of human rights by all. We call upon the Taliban to make this principle a day-to-day reality in Afghanistan,” Lyons said.

UNAMA has highlighted that the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to protect the rights of all Afghans have yet to be met, saying women and girls have witnessed an erosion of their rights since the political change in Afghanistan. “Significant efforts are required by the Taliban to actively promote and protect the equal rights of girls and women, in access to education, work, free movement and other aspects of life,” the statement read.

UNAMA has also called on the Islamic Emirate to investigate and publicize their findings about the reported killings and use of violence against former Afghan security forces and prevent the commission of such crimes. “The UN is also deeply concerned by credible reports in recent months of killings, the use of violence against and forced disappearances of former members of the Afghan security services, government and civil society, including protestors, media workers, human rights defenders and minorities,” the statement said.

UNAMA has also called on the Islamic Emirate to fulfill Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations.

“The UN has noted statements and commitments from senior Taliban representatives on the protection of human rights for all Afghans, without discrimination, at both the national and provincial level. The UN maintains its readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue in this and other areas and looks forward to seeing the fulfilment of these promises,” the statement reads.