The Purple Saturdays Movement, in an urgent appeal titled “Immediate Action Against the Taliban’s Misogyny in Afghanistan,” has declared the global and United Nations response to the Taliban’s “crimes” as “alarmingly” insufficient.
The movement has called on international bodies to take stronger measures to address and change the “dire” human rights situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. It has urged the United Nations and the global community to adopt “decisive” measures against the Taliban to prevent further suffering of the people and the erosion of women’s rights in the country.
“The return of the Taliban to power has led to a significant setback in women’s rights in Afghanistan,” the appeal states. “Reports of sexual violence, including rape by Taliban members, have risen alarmingly.”
The Purple Saturdays Movement highlights that forced marriages, particularly among girls under 18, have become more prevalent since the Taliban’s return to power. This has perpetuated cycles of abuse and inequality. The oppressive environment has also tragically led to an increase in suicides among women who see no escape from the Taliban’s imposed tyranny.
The movement adds that the Taliban’s “brutal and repressive policies” have driven many women to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for their intolerable daily lives.
The group contends that the international community and the United Nations have not done enough to counter the Taliban’s policies or protect Afghan women. Despite clear evidence of human rights violations, global responses have been weak, and some countries continue to engage diplomatically with the Taliban.
“This approach not only legitimizes the Taliban regime but also emboldens them to continue their abuses without fear of consequences,” the movement argues.
The appeal concludes by stating that the human rights situation in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is “dire” and its impact on women is catastrophic. The United Nations and global powers must prioritize human rights in Afghanistan and show solidarity with the women fighting for their freedom and dignity.
Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, they have stripped women and girls of all basic rights, imposing severe restrictions on various aspects of their lives. The Taliban have banned girls above sixth grade from continuing their education and closed university doors to female students.
Notably, in their nearly three years of renewed rule, the Taliban have prohibited girls from participating in university entrance exams, conducting these exams without a single female candidate across Afghanistan.
