Urgent Appeal to Address Human Rights Violations Against Women and Girls in Kabul
The Hague, 8 Januari 2024
To:
European Union
Dear Mr. Josep Borrell-Fontelles
I am writing this letter with deep concern and urgency regarding the alarming situation in Kabul, where the Taliban government has been targeting girls and women on the streets, imposing arbitrary and oppressive restrictions on their attire. Reports indicate that the Vice and Virtue Department of the Taliban in Afghanistan has been aggressively enforcing its interpretation of Islamic veil, leading to the arbitrary arrest and detention of dozens of women from districts of Kabul.
The actions of the Taliban, specifically targeting women based on their choice of clothing, are not only a violation of fundamental human rights but also a clear breach of the principles of equality, freedom, and dignity. These incidents, where women are arrested for not meeting arbitrary conditions set by the Taliban, represent a gross violation of individual liberties and are in direct contradiction to the values upheld by the international community, including the European Union.
We, the member organizations of the Federation of Afghan Resident Organizations in Europe, on behalf of the Afghan diaspora and concerned citizens, wish to express our deep disappointment and concern over the lack of serious reaction by the European Union institutions and European governments in response to these egregious human rights violations. The European Union, as a champion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, must not remain indifferent to the plight of Afghan women and girls facing persecution and discrimination.
The European Union has historically played a crucial role in advocating for human rights across the globe, and it is imperative that it continues to do so in the face of the current crisis in Kabul. We urge the European Union institutions and European governments to take immediate and concrete actions to address the following:
- Condemn Human Rights Violations: Publicly condemn the actions of the Taliban in targeting women based on their clothing choices, and call for an immediate end to these human rights violations.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Utilize diplomatic channels to engage with the Taliban government and urge them to respect the human rights and freedoms of all Afghan citizens, especially women and girls.
- International Collaboration: Collaborate with the international community to coordinate efforts in addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Provide support to local organizations and initiatives working to protect and empower women and girls in Afghanistan.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Establish mechanisms to monitor and report on ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The silence of the European Union and European governments in the face of these atrocities is unacceptable to the Afghan diaspora and women living inside Afghanistan. We implore you to take immediate and decisive action to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to seeing the European Union take a strong stance against the ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan.
Sincerely,
Ali Daliry, chairperson of FAROE
On behalf of this,
Faquiri A.R. head of FAROE committee for External Affairs