A coalition of protesters across the globe in a statement has denounced the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, characterizing it as an “apartheid regime” that stands in stark contrast to the social fabric, civil society, and the aspirations of the Afghan people.
The statement, released ahead of global demonstrations planned for August 15, the anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, calls any negotiations with the Taliban a “blatant deal with war criminals, perpetrators of crimes against humanity, and enforcers of gender apartheid.” It urges the international community to recognize the Taliban’s regime as one fundamentally opposed to justice, dignity, and freedom.
The coalition—comprising academics, exiled citizens, women’s rights activists, and members of independent civil society both in Afghanistan and abroad—asserts that the Taliban, by their “nature, structure, and actions,” operate as a “terrorist, ideological, and totalitarian group.”
The protesters outlined six specific demands in their resolution:
The United Nations should officially recognize the Taliban’s governance as an “apartheid regime.”
Accountability is needed for “war crimes and crimes against humanity” committed by the Taliban, which the protesters claim occur daily.
All financial support to the Taliban, disguised as humanitarian aid, must be halted, and international sanctions should be imposed on the group.
The global community should immediately stop policies that justify engaging with the Taliban as representatives of the Afghan people.
A transitional justice process should begin to address decades of “human rights violations” in Afghanistan, recognizing the suffering of victims and their families.
Efforts should be made to establish a democratic framework, directly engaging with the Afghan people to facilitate the creation of an interim or transitional government.
The coalition also emphasized that “lasting peace cannot be achieved until war criminals are brought to justice,” warning that the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan threatens regional and global stability.
The resolution further called on the international community to end its support for what they described as “local terrorism” in the region, and to prioritize global security.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, no country has formally recognized their government. Under Taliban rule, women and girls have been systematically deprived of their basic rights, with severe restrictions imposed on education and public life. Girls above the sixth grade have been banned from attending school, and universities have been closed to female students.
In the nearly three years since their return to power, the Taliban have also barred girls from participating in the national university entrance exam, which was conducted across the country without a single female candidate.
