Concerns over Loss of Afghan Women’s Rights when International Troops Withdraw
The planned withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan is only 18 months away. A new United Nations report says gains for women could be lost in those months. Milagros Ardin tells us more.
Enforcement of the rights of women has greatly increased since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Afghan women now go to school, work, and hold government positions. But that progress could be threatened.
Nicole Ameline heads the U.N Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. She says Afghan officials have told her that women’s rights will be defended after international troops leave.
“I have the official commitment of the (U.N.) delegation of Afghanistan. Before us they said, “We agree with you, women’s rights are not negotiable.”
Ms. Ameline calls that good news. But, she says other nations must work hard to keep women’s rights an important issue in Afghanistan. A recent U.N. study on equal rights finds conditions for women in Afghanistan are among the worst in the world.
The report says there is much violence against Afghan women, including stoning, rape and abuse in the family. It notes increasing attacks on girls’ schools by Taliban groups. These attacks include the suspected poisoning of girls.
Ms. Ameline says she is afraid women’s rights could be lost during peace negotiations with the Taliban. Only nine women serve on the 70-member High Peace Council. The group was established to negotiate an end to conflict with the Islamic group.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25