Peace in Afghanistan – a declaration of war against Afghan women?

There is thriving hope for peace in Afghanistan. The US is talking to the Taliban about a withdrawal of troops from the country. So far the Afghan government has been left out of the talks. Now there is growing concern that the hard-won rights of Afghanistan’s women could be sacrificed in a deal.

When the Taliban came to power a totalitarian religious regime with strict Sharia laws was established. Women were forbidden to leave the house without wearing a burqa and having a male companion. Girls were not allowed to go to school and women were not allowed to work, be treated by male doctors, hold political office or speak in public. Extra-marital relations were punished by death. After the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, an American-backed government was established. Since then, women’s rights have gradually improved, and women have also been involved in peace efforts. The US now wants to end the military engagement and seeks a commitment from the Taliban that Afghan soil will not again be used to launch terrorist attacks. This has led to growing concern that women’s rights will be sacrificed for a peace deal. FBA supports the participation of women in peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Medverkande:

• Heather Barr, acting co-director of the Women’s Rights Division, Human Rights Watch
• Mariam Safi, founder and director, the Afghan think-tank Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies
• Cecilia Hull Wiklund, moderator, project manager for FBA’s work in Afghanistan

Kontaktperson 1:

Kicki Westin, Head of Communications, FBA (Folke Bernadotte Academy), kicki.westin@fba.se

Webb:

http://fba.se/en

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/FolkeBernadotteAcademy/

Twitter:

@FBAFolke

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