Statement by the Embassy and Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome Condemning Women’s and Girl’s Rights Violation in Afghanistan

The Embassy and Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome, strongly condemns the continued widespread human rights violation by the illegitimate administration of the Taliban across Afghanistan, especially the recent arresting and abducting of Afghan women and girls who were demanding their rights in peaceful protests in Kabul.

The arrests and detentions are happening on charges that arise from nothing more than demanding basic Islamic and human rights and publicly criticizing an illegitimate administration that has failed to provide people with basic services. These atrocities are not only in flagrant violation of Article 36 of the constitution of Afghanistan, which guarantees its citizens the right to hold peaceful demonstrations, but also of Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Afghanistan is a party. The Embassy and Mission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome is further troubled by the Taliban’s latest rules announced on December 26, which prevents women from traveling more than 72 kilometers without a male relative. 

These initial restrictions on women and girls follow the spate of recent regulations by the Taliban, which have prohibited girls from going to school, segregated classes in universities based on gender, and banned women from appearing in television dramas.

Women’s and girls’ empowerment is crucial in the Afghan society. The protection of their rights, especially the right to education, work, health, and freedom of movement and expression, must be an integral part of the process through which Afghans can achieve inclusive and sustainable peace in their country. Imposing such restrictions on women and girls, are not only revoking the legitimate and Islamic liberties that Afghan women have won through a history of struggle and activism, but it also unravels the gains made over the past two decades.

Once again, we condemn in the strongest possible terms these atrocities and violations by the Taliban to silence Afghan women and girl’s voices in the country.