KABUL, Afghanistan — During an indoor protest in Kabul commemorating International Women’s Day, a group of female protesters called on the United Nations and international human rights organizations to advocate for the rights of Afghan women.
The gathering highlighted the severe restrictions Afghan women face, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and imprisonment when demanding basic rights.
A resolution issued by the participants pointed out that Afghan women and girls have been barred from schools and universities for approximately two years, leading to numerous suicides among them. The resolution described Afghan women as being effectively held hostage by a terrorist group, living under dire conditions.
According to the resolution, the Taliban have enacted over 100 decrees, 85 of which directly limit women’s participation in society. These decrees have curtailed women’s access to education, employment, freedom of movement, speech, health services, and the right to protest.
The protesters called for the establishment of an inclusive government that represents women and all ethnic groups in Afghanistan and acknowledged the “gender apartheid” enforced by the Taliban. They also urged the international community not to recognize the Taliban regime.
The Taliban’s oppressive measures against women have elicited global concern. The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghan Human Rights, Richard Bennett, recently highlighted in a video statement that the Taliban’s policies have effectively excluded half of the country’s population from participating in society.
