The resurgence of the Islamist Taliban in August 2021, following a two-decade insurgency against the Western-backed government, has led to a profound regression in women’s rights in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s policies have resulted in severe restrictions on the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls, including bans on education and work.
In a powerful address to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk emphasized that “human rights in Afghanistan are in a state of collapse,” affecting millions of women, men, girls, and boys. He described the oppression suffered by Afghan women and girls as “immeasurably cruel.” This declaration highlights the urgent need for international intervention to protect the rights and dignity of Afghan women.
Despite claims by the Taliban that they respect women’s rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, the evidence on the ground paints a starkly different picture. The systematic oppression and violence against Afghan women are a grave violation of basic human rights and must be addressed urgently.
Turk’s address coincided with the release of a U.N. report covering the period from March 2022 to August 2023. The report documents a “systematic repression of the rule of law and human rights in Afghanistan,” particularly concerning the rights of women and girls. Shockingly, it details 324 violence cases against women and girls, including murders labeled as “honor killings,” beatings, and child marriages. These grim statistics underscore the extent of the crisis.
The report also sheds light on the daily challenges faced by Afghan women, including harassment and physical abuse by Taliban authorities at checkpoints for perceived violations, such as wearing the hijab incorrectly or lacking a male “mahram” (guardian) when in public spaces. These incidents further demonstrate the urgency of addressing the human rights crisis in Afghanistan.
In 2021, the 47-member Human Rights Council appointed a U.N. independent expert to investigate rights violations in Afghanistan. The European Union now seeks to renew this mandate during the ongoing session in Geneva, extending until October 13, 2023. This collective international effort is crucial in holding accountable those responsible for these human rights abuses.
The shocking oppression of Afghan women and girls under the Taliban’s rule demands the world’s attention and action. It is essential that we stand in solidarity with the Afghan people and advocate for the protection of their fundamental human rights. The international community must continue to shed light on this grave crisis and work tirelessly to ensure a brighter and more equitable future for all Afghan citizens, especially the women and girls who have been silenced for far too long.