Global Silence on Afghan Women’s Rights Draws Urgent Criticism at UN Assembly

Women’s rights advocates at the United Nations General Assembly criticized the global community’s silence and called for concrete actions to support the rights of Afghan women.

Criticism of Global Community’s Weak Responses

Women’s rights defenders and civil activists, gathered on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, voiced their concerns over the global community’s passive approach to the human rights crisis in Afghanistan. They demanded effective measures to counter the restrictive policies of the Taliban and prevent the normalization of the current situation.

Girls Deprived of Educational Rights for Five Years

During a session titled “Assessing Long-Term Goals and the Status of Women and Girls’ Rights Under Taliban Rule,” civil activists expressed their alarm over global neglect. They highlighted that after nearly five years of political changes in Kabul, girls remain barred from attending secondary schools, high schools, and universities, rendering them marginalized.

Asila Wardak, a women’s rights activist, criticized the muted international reactions, warning that the plight of Afghan women should not become normalized. She urged the global community to take urgent action rather than continue asking repetitive questions.

Condition for Re-engagement with the Taliban

Shinaki Krokhil, a former member of parliament, asserted that any dialogue with the Taliban must be contingent upon the restoration of women’s rights. She emphasized the necessity of not legitimizing the group through engagement.

High Commissioner’s Emphasis on Violated International Commitments

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, acknowledged the need for greater scrutiny from global institutions, highlighting over 200 repressive decrees by the Taliban as a clear violation of international commitments. He deemed the suppression of half the population unacceptable.

Call from Human Rights Organizations

This appeal comes as the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council is set to commence in early October this year in Geneva. Nearly 100 human rights organizations have issued a call supporting the extension of Richard Bennett’s mandate, stressing the need for ongoing monitoring of girls’ status and activating independent mechanisms to investigate human rights violations in Afghanistan.