FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2021
In Bethesda, MD -
We, at the Women's Learning Partnership (WLP), join the many organizations and individuals around the world in calling on the United Nations Security Council and the international community to take the necessary measures to protect the human rights and humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis is a terrible tragedy that will reverberate far beyond its borders for years. We fear that the Taliban's reliance on violence to control the people and cling to power could affect generations of Afghans, leading to increased violence in communities and families. Our goal is to draw attention to the threat posed to the rights and well-being of all Afghan people, especially women and girls.
In recent decades, women in Afghanistan have achieved important (hard-won) victories in education, as well as achieving job opportunities, freedom of movement and political leadership. Afghan women led the successful campaign for women's equality in the 2004 constitution, and in 2009, their efforts led to the passage of Afghanistan's Elimination of Violence Against Women Act. Over the last year, Afghan doctors and nurses have been able to respond quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is also worth noting that women make up half of the medical care teams of the International Organization for Migration in Afghanistan. Women's achievements have improved the lives of many men and women in the country, as well as ensuring that the new generation of women and girls is moving Afghanistan towards greater equality. If we want to ensure the freedom and dignity of all Afghan people, it is essential that we preserve women's rights.
Today, women's rights and democracy are increasingly being curtailed around the world, and extremist forces are increasingly gaining ground. Illiberal leaders around the world will watch and study how the international community responds to any violation of human rights. If sweeping restrictions on women's rights are allowed to occur without an international response, extremists in every corner of the globe will find themselves taking notice.
The recurrence of violations of women's rights in Afghanistan could lead to a recurrence in other regions. Silence and inaction in response to this will lead to serious harm for everyone.
Media Contact:
Tori Pell, Program Associate for Communications and Advocacy
Phone: +1 301-652-2774
Email: tpell[at]learningpartnership.org
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