Brussels, 24 August 2021

We have been following with great concern the current developments in Afghanistan.

The situation is particularly distressing for children, who will suffer the consequences for many years to come. In fact, children are always the ones paying the highest toll in crises, victims of unspeakable atrocities indiscriminate violence, and other grave human rights violations.

We have also seen the very worrying images coming from Kabul airport, which has been stormed by thousands of people over the last few days in attempts to escape. In these hours of confusion and uncertainty, there have been reports of an increasing number of children who are going missing once they reach the airport. Girls as young as 12 are now rallied and married away to Talibans, others are left at heightened risk of being sexually abused.

Therefore, as the situation continues to worsen and the grave human rights violations against children continue to arise, we call on the Talibans and all parties involved to:

• respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as by national commitments and protect the lives of civilians;
• fully respect the right of children – especially girls – to education;
• protect hospitals and schools from attacks;
• ensure that all those who have the right to seek asylum or other forms of international protection — including children – are allowed to do so and leave safely;

David Lega MEP, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights

Caterina Chinnici MEP, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights

Hilde Vautmans MEP, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights & Renew Europe Spokesperson in the Foreign Affairs (AFET) Committee

Antonio Lopez Isturiz MEP, Vice-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights & EPP Secretary General

Evin Incir MEP, Vice-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights 

Laurence Farreng MEP, Vice-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights 

Milan Brglez MEP, Vice-Chair of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights 

— ENDS —

For more info and media queries, please contact:

Emilio Puccio, Secretary General of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights

E: emilio.puccio@europarl.europa.eu