itarian Crisis in Afghanistan; The World “Complicit” in Witnessing the Status of Women

Sayed Mahdi Hussaini

Bayan News – Representatives from the European Parliament, the United States, and Afghan diplomats have expressed concerns about the situation of girls and women in Afghanistan, describing the global community’s silence on the human rights situation in Afghanistan as “complicit.”

Karen Melchior, a member of the European Parliament, stated in a speech yesterday (March 14) that the dreams of girls and women in Afghanistan have been kidnapped, and they are imprisoned in their own homes, suffering under Taliban rule.

According to the European Parliament member, despite the world community “complicitly” watching the situation of women in Afghanistan in silence, speaking out and taking a stance on the current situation must continue.

She said, “We should not normalize this gender apartheid. Our actions, not just our words, will be judged by history.”

Melchior further asked, “Will we be a generation that closes its eyes? Or are we a generation that fights for the right to education, the right to work, and simply the right to exist for Afghan women?”

Yesterday, the European Parliament issued a resolution stating that the Taliban have effectively excluded women and girls from public life, equating it to sexual harassment and gender apartheid.

Taliban not receiving diplomatic and economic support

John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, stated in his latest remarks that the United States does not provide diplomatic and economic support to the Taliban.

Speaking at a press conference, he addressed a proposed bill by a member of the Senate calling for cutting off aid to Afghanistan. Kirby stated that the bill is still in the early stages.

“We have not recognized the Taliban as the government in Afghanistan. If they want such recognition and legitimacy, they must act on their commitments, especially regarding women, girls, and human rights in Afghanistan,” Kirby said.

The American official emphasized that although the U.S. war in Afghanistan has ended, the United States remains committed to supporting the people of the country.

Taliban’s behavior considered “sexual harassment and abuse”

Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, states that the grave situation of women requires a coordinated response from the global community.

Speaking at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday (March 15), Andisha stated that the promises made by the Taliban, including respect for human rights, have not been fulfilled, and women and girls still cannot access their fundamental rights.

According to Andisha, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has concluded that due to the widespread and systematic restrictions against women and girls, such behavior is considered sexual harassment and abuse.

Recently, international pressure on the Taliban to lift restrictions against women and girls in Afghanistan has increased. However, the Taliban sees this pressure as interference in the country’s affairs.

Since the Taliban’s takeover, severe restrictions have been imposed on women and girls, including bans on education, employment, and social activities.