A/HRC/57/5 an action plan in 2019. That collaborative effort had involved key stakeholders. The action plan delineated specific governmental entities responsible for executing each recommendation. Several entities had commenced the implementation process. However, progress had subsequently halted and ultimately been discontinued since the military takeover by the Taliban in August 2021. 9. Afghanistan, under the Taliban, remained the most repressive country in the world, in particular for women and girls, who continued to experience deep inequality and the effects of persistent armed conflict. 10. Afghanistan had been committed to instituting reforms to advance women’s rights and achieve gender equality throughout the country before the takeover. That commitment was reflected in initiatives such as implementing a national action plan for women, reflecting the country’s various international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the women and peace and security agenda, that were designed to strengthen and promote women’s rights across all provinces of Afghanistan. Constitutional provisions, notably article 22 of the Constitution, explicitly prohibited discrimination against women, while articles 218 and 409 of the Penal Code reinforced that prohibition within the realm of administration. 11. Civil and political rights in Afghanistan had undergone significant shifts in recent times. Efforts had been under way to strengthen and protect those rights, as enshrined in the various legal frameworks. However, the current situation presented grave concerns regarding the preservation of those rights, given the restrictions imposed by the Taliban. It was imperative for the international community to closely monitor and address any violations of civil and political rights, ensuring that all individuals in Afghanistan could exercise their rights freely and without fear of persecution or discrimination. 12. Women had been active participants in the 2002 constitutive assembly and, between 2004 and 2019, had accounted for more than 30 per cent of voters. Before August 2021, women had comprised 27 per cent of members in the lower house of parliament, 22 per cent in the upper house and 30 per cent in the civil service. They had held key roles in the Government, independent commissions and the judiciary. 13. Afghanistan had implemented various initiatives to address human rights violations and combat torture, including the passing of the law on the prohibition of torture and the establishment of a monitoring commission. The 2018 Penal Code had incorporated provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol. However, all legislative and procedural measures aimed at combating and preventing torture had been rescinded by the Taliban. 14. Access to education and health care had improved notably before the military takeover. Afghanistan had embarked on a comprehensive review of national education curricula to ensure that human rights values were being taught to children in schools. The last national education strategic plan, for the period 2017–2021, had contained new indicators to monitor progress in the development of the education system. 15. However, amid the dark landscape, the fortitude and resilience of the people of Afghanistan, in particular its women, shone through as a beacon of hope. Despite facing immense challenges and enduring unimaginable hardships, they stood unwavering in their resolve to uphold their dignity and rights. Their resilience was a testament not merely to their strength, but also to the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 16. During the interactive dialogue, 70 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 17. Indonesia expressed concern about the curtailment of the rights of women and girls and stated that it would continue constructive engagement with Afghanistan, notably in the humanitarian and education fields. GE.24-09690 3