The “Women’s Movement for Freedom” called Aug. 15 as “one of the darkest days in the country’s modern history” and said the Taliban’s return to power has cast “fear, discrimination and darkness” over the lives of millions.
In a statement, the movement said that over the past four years Afghanistan has witnessed the “widespread, systematic and ongoing violation of human rights,” with women, ethnic and religious minorities, civil activists, journalists and young people silenced or forced into exile, prison or death.
According to the group, Afghan women have been systematically barred from education, employment, travel, arts, sports and public life. Afghanistan is now the only country in the world where girls above sixth grade are prohibited from attending school — a situation the statement described as “organized gender apartheid.”
The group also highlighted the plight of minorities, especially Hazaras and Shiite Muslims, who it said have faced “targeted attacks, forced displacement, property seizures and systematic discrimination.” The statement noted that none of the deadly attacks on educational, religious and cultural centers belonging to these communities have been investigated or prosecuted.
The movement cited widespread poverty, heavy taxes and strict social restrictions as factors turning life in Afghanistan into “an endless hell” for its citizens.
It also criticized the “silence and inattention of the international community” toward Afghanistan’s situation, calling for an immediate change in policy toward the Taliban, increased political and diplomatic pressure to ensure respect for human rights and freedoms, and the creation of an inclusive political process to establish a legitimate, elected government.
The statement urged an international investigation into “crimes against Hazaras and Shiites,” stronger protection for at-risk activists and journalists, and denying the Taliban any form of international recognition.
