The 61st Session of the Human Rights Council, Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan and the OHCHR country report, Statement by Mr. TAKEUCHI Yasuaki(26 February 2026)　

   Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

   Japan expresses its appreciation to the Special Rapporteur and OHCHR for their continued efforts to improve the human rights situation of the Afghan people.

   Japan remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially ongoing institutionalized discrimination against women and girls. We are particularly concerned by the reported severe restrictions affecting their right to health, including barriers limiting women and girls’ access to healthcare and their ability to make autonomous decisions about their health. The full realization of the right to health, without discrimination, is a prerequisite for the exercise of fundamental freedoms and other human rights.

   Ensuring that women and girls can receive education, participate in the workforce, and access healthcare without barriers is indispensable for Afghanistan’s future stability and prosperity. Persistent restrictions on women’s rights have serious long-term consequences, including increased maternal mortality and weakened public health capacity.

   We are also concerned by reports of a recent announcement by the Taliban of criminal rules of courts that may further institutionalize discrimination and violence against women. We are particularly concerned that these rules may permit physical violence against women, reinforcing impunity for perpetrators and undermining access to protection for victims and survivors.

   Japan calls upon the Taliban to respect Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations and ensure women’s full access to education, medical training, and essential health services.

   Japan will continue working with international partners to support the Afghan people.

   I thank you.