Women and Girls of Afghanistan: We Hear You.

Equality Now stands firmly with the women and girls of Afghanistan, advocating for their fundamental rights and freedoms in the face of ongoing systemic discrimination. 

As an organization dedicated to advancing gender justice through international human rights law, we continue to advocate that Afghanistan, like all nations, has a legal obligation to uphold the highest international human rights standards. The systematic subjugation of women, codified in the religious laws of Afghanistan as interpreted by the Taliban, is a clear violation of these standards and must be addressed.

For decades, Afghan women and those in the diaspora have been calling for accountability for the crimes committed against them. The recent news that they are banned from praying out loud and restricting their voices in public, is another stark reminder of the urgent need for action.

Equality Now remains committed to utilizing international legal mechanisms, including CEDAW and the Rome Statute of the ICC, to hold perpetrators of widespread gender-based discrimination accountable. We believe in the power of these existing tools and the importance of applying international standards universally. Further, we strongly urge that UN member states sign, ratify, and become party to international treaties to meaningfully participate and utilize them to advance gender justice.  

We are following the recent developments as Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands prepare to bring a case against Afghanistan for its egregious human rights violations against women and girls. As an organization that has long advocated for the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices, particularly in the context of the Beijing Platform for Action, we urge the wider international community to take decisive action. 

It is crucial that women’s rights organizations continue to play an essential role in ensuring that the voices of survivors and those most impacted are meaningfully represented. Civil society has a vital part in holding states accountable to their commitments.

We stand in solidarity with Afghan women and girls during these challenging times. Their resilience and bravery is extraordinary. 

Equality Now will continue to use international law to advocate for justice and accountability, working towards a world where women and girls are safe, free from violence, economically secure, independent, and have meaningful access to all aspects of public life.