Working for sustainable peace in Afghanistan
In recent months Afghanistan has experienced an escalation in targeted violence against civilians, attacks against women’s rights advocates and other human rights defenders, journalists, and intellectuals. On 30 April, there was an attack on an all-girls school in Dasht e Barchi, and an attack at Pul-e Alam in Logar province - attacks which seek to undermine the peace process. We would like to take this moment to remember Belqis, a young WILPFer who was a powerful advocate for peace and the rights of people with disabilities. She was killed in a recent attack, and we will continue our work in her memory. WILPF Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the recent violence and remembering Belqis.
WILPF Afghanistan is calling for an end to this violence and a nationwide ceasefire, for women’s meaningful participation in the intra-Afghan talks, and for a sustainable peace in Afghanistan that centers human rights. They have been calling on the UN Security Council and other critical Member States influential in the peace process to support the concerns of women and human rights defenders in any settlement with the Taliban.
Submission to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women - Afghanistan (2020)