Leaders of the European Union and Central Asia have strongly criticised Afghanistan’s ongoing failure to form an inclusive government and uphold basic human rights, particularly for women, girls, and ethnic and religious minorities. This stern rebuke was issued in a statement following the conclusion of the first EU–Central Asia summit, held on Friday, 4 April, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The summit, hosted by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, brought together heads of state who expressed alarm at Afghanistan’s continuous neglect of international obligations and its worsening humanitarian crisis. The leaders condemned the country’s inability to establish a stable and inclusive governance system, which has led to widespread suffering, especially for vulnerable groups within Afghan society.
“The ongoing failure to form an inclusive government in Afghanistan, alongside the systematic violation of human rights, is deeply troubling,” the statement read. “The current situation not only undermines the basic rights of women and girls but also denies them access to education and active participation in public and political life, a grave breach of international standards.”
The leaders also highlighted Afghanistan’s disregard for regional stability and its adverse impact on neighboring countries. Afghanistan’s persistent security challenges, coupled with its failure to address the needs of its citizens, have exacerbated tensions in the region. President Mirziyoyev voiced deep concerns over Afghanistan’s failure to meet its obligations as a sovereign state, particularly regarding the safety and rights of its people.
“The international community must hold Afghanistan accountable for its lack of action in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity within its borders. The absence of an inclusive government and the blatant disregard for the human rights of its citizens cannot be tolerated any longer,” President Mirziyoyev said during the summit.
Leaders from the EU and Central Asia remain firm in their condemnation of Afghanistan’s continued refusal to engage in meaningful governance reforms, calling for an immediate shift toward an inclusive government that prioritizes human rights and international cooperation. They emphasized the need for continued diplomatic pressure to hold Afghanistan accountable for its failure to meet global standards.
The EU and Central Asia leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the region’s development while ensuring that Afghanistan faces scrutiny for its neglect of fundamental freedoms and stability.
