Kabul, Afghanistan – Speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Taliban said women’s rights are respected in Afghanistan more than ever, according to sources, saying its leadership is committed to upholding the rights of all citizens.
On Friday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called on Taliban leadership to end violence against women and the “broader deterioration of women’s rights” in an efforts to establish a sustainable peace in the country.
“All of our citizens’ rights are protected by Islamic Sharia and the Islamic system, but, at the same time, I can affirm that before the Islamic Emirate’s arrival, the rights of women and girls—including the right to family, the right to dignity, the right to honor, and the right to property—were completely not respected,” said Bilal Karimi, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, as TOLOnews quoted.
Meanwhile, Afghan women’s rights activist said women generally in Afghanistan are victims of violence and judgment, saying their rights must be respected.
“Afghan women are victims of violence, restrictions, and judgment because of their gender more than ever,” said Maryam Marouf Arween, a women’s rights activist.
“Afghan women are going through a very critical period as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is celebrated in the world,” said Selsela Ahmadi, another women’s rights activist.
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Earlier, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Friday called on Taliban leadership to end violence against women and the “broader deterioration of women’s rights” in an efforts to establish a sustainable peace in the country.
In a press statement to Khaama Press, UNAMA made the call at a time the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
Since the takeover last August, Women in Afghanistan have had many of their most fundamental rights restricted in a country that has one of the highest rates of violence against women globally.
Afghan women have also experienced a “marked deterioration” in access to coordinated, comprehensive and quality services for survivors of gender-based violence.
“The fundamental rights of Afghan women need to be protected and concrete steps need to be taken for an enabling environment which is free from all forms of violence,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
“Protecting the rights of women is a crucial factor for stability, prosperity and any lasting peace in Afghanistan” said Otunbayeva, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The current situation is exacerbated by a dire humanitarian and economic crisis – including the freedom to move, work, seek education, and participate in public life.
These factors reinforce traditional social norms that condone the use of violence as a form of discipline and control, creating an environment where violence against women and girls is normalized.
“Each day we continue to see the normalization of violence against women and girls, in their homes, places where they are allowed to work, online, and in public spaces,” said Alison Davidian, UN Women’s Representative in Afghanistan.
“Globally we know it is impossible to create an environment where women and girls are free from violence without also having specific interventions to empower them, including initiatives to support their voice, agency and participation in the decisions affecting their lives. We need to renew our efforts to invest in both the protection and empowerment of women and girls in Afghanistan.”
The UN in Afghanistan is working to address gender-based violence, including responding to the differentiated needs of vulnerable women and girls, amplifying the priorities and influence of women, direct support and funding to service providers and civil society organizations working to eliminate all forms of violence, prevention and response programmes, and advocacy with key national and international stakeholders.
