In Afghanistan, global concern over serious human rights violations remains high after five years since the Taliban seized power in the country.

Fifty-six member states of the United Nations have issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with the Afghan people and highlighting the severe challenges facing Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

The joint statement also expressed concern over the Taliban's continued restrictions on women and girls, noting that Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are denied access to secondary and higher education.

The statement further described terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil as a common threat to regional security and called on the Taliban regime to take effective action against these organizations.