E/2002/27 E/CN.6/2002/13 “Welcoming the efforts of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, who have hosted so many Afghan refugees, especially women and children, and have provided humanitarian assistance in many areas such as education, health and other basic services, “Welcoming also developments in Afghanistan that will contribute to the creation of conditions that will allow all Afghans, especially women and girls, to enjoy inalienable rights and freedoms and fully participate in the reconstruction and development of their country, “Welcoming further the commitment of the Afghan Interim Administration to the active participation of Afghan women of all ages in political, economic and social life, to the education of girls as well as boys and to the right of women to work outside the home, “Welcoming the inclusion of women in the Afghan Interim Administration and in the twenty-one-member Special Independent Commission for the Convening of the Emergency Loya Jirga, and stressing the importance of promoting opportunities for the full and effective participation of women in all decision-making processes regarding the future of Afghanistan, “Welcoming also the signing of the Declaration of the Essential Rights of Afghan Women, by the Chairman of the Afghan Interim Administration, “Welcoming further the fact that the United Nations Immediate and Transitional Assistance Programme for the Afghan People 2002 reflects the needs of, and importance of the role to be taken by, women and girls in the process of peace-building, reconstruction and development, “Expressing its appreciation for the international community’s support of and solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly its women and girls, during the Taliban rule and since the creation of the Afghan Interim Administration, “Encouraging the members of the international community, including non-governmental organizations, to continue efforts to draw attention to the situation of Afghan women and girls and to promote the immediate restoration of their ability to enjoy their human rights, “Recognizing that special attention must be directed at the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan, including the right to freedom from discrimination, “Recognizing also that women’s effective participation in civil, cultural, economic, political and social life should be promoted and protected throughout Afghanistan, including respect for the right of women to work, their right to education, to security of person, to freedom of movement and association, to freedom of opinion and expression and to equal access to facilities necessary to attain the highest standard of physical and mental health, “Recognizing further that Afghan women are primary stakeholders and agents of change, who must have the opportunity to identify their own needs and priorities in all sectors of society in order to become full partners in the rebuilding of their society, 41