The Seimas’ Resolution to that effect (draft No. XIVP-929(2)) was passed by 71 votes in favour, 3 votes against, and 24 abstentions. The Seimas decided to adopt the Resolution in response to the United Nations reports on serious human rights violations by the Taliban, such as crackdowns, violence, political persecution, restriction on women’s and girls’ rights, recruitment of children into the army. The Islamic Taliban group took power in Afghanistan on 15 August 2021.
‘The ongoing gross violations of human rights by the Taliban are contrary to international humanitarian law and may lead to a humanitarian crisis,’ the Seimas’ Resolution noted.
The Seimas urged the Taliban to immediately cease its violence against Afghans and citizens of other countries present in Afghanistan, respect inherent human rights, comply with international law, guarantee equal rights for women and men, honour publicly declared commitments in respect of the rights of women and girls, and to guarantee their right to education, employment, health care, and culture.
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania called on the international community to process asylum applications of Afghan women and girls as a matter of priority and to ensure access to asylum procedures for persons in clear need of international protection.
At the same time, the international community is invited to monitor carefully the situation in Afghanistan, follow closely the human rights situation of the most at-risk and vulnerable groups, ensure regular assessment of the state of affairs and provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation in the region, and prevent a new migration crisis.
