Letter EU 8 March 2025
Her Excellency Mrs. Kaya Dallas, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and le and Vice-President of the European Commission,
Dear Mrs. Kaya Dallas,
On behalf of FAROE, I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the systematic and multi-dimensional violations of women’s rights by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Despite repeated condemnations by the international community, Afghan women continue to suffer under policies that systematically erase their fundamental freedoms and rights. The European Union, as a champion of human rights and gender equality, must take stronger measures beyond mere condemnation to address this grave situation.
Since their takeover in August 2021, the Taliban has imposed draconian restrictions on Afghan women and girls, barring them from education, employment, public spaces, and political participation. Women are deprived of their basic human rights and subjected to institutionalized discrimination and oppression. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that these policies amount to gender apartheid, necessitating urgent and concrete international action.
We urge the European Union to take decisive steps to hold the Taliban accountable, including but not limited to:
Imposing Targeted Sanctions – Strengthening economic and political sanctions against Taliban leaders responsible for human rights and women rights violations.
Engaging in Diplomatic Pressure – Leveraging international alliances to pressure the Taliban regime to reverse its oppressive policies against women or face total ban on aid and recognition.
Supporting Afghan Women’s Resistance – Providing direct financial and logistical support to Afghan women-led organizations and activists who continue to fight for their rights under extreme duress inside Afghanistan.
Ensuring Humanitarian Aid Reaches Women – Implementing mechanisms to ensure humanitarian assistance directly benefits women without being controlled by the Taliban.
Advocating for Women’s Rights at Global Platforms – Using international forums to formally recognize the Taliban’s actions as gender apartheid and push for global accountability measures through ICC, ICJ etc.
The ongoing repression of Afghan women demands an urgent and resolute response. The EU must lead the international community in moving beyond verbal condemnation and adopting effective strategies to support and protect Afghan women.
We urge you to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and look forward to your prompt response regarding the EU’s intended course of action.
Sincerely,
On behalf of Mr. A. Daliry, chairperson of FAROE
Faquiri, head of FAROE committee for external affairs