Statement by members of Friends of Afghan Women Ambassadors’ Group on International Women’s Day

March 8, 2022

“On International Women’s Day this year, we celebrate the strength and triumphs, courage and indispensable role of women and their contribution to Afghan society. In parallel, we deplore the erosion of the respect for rights of women and girls under the Taliban.

Afghan women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and inclusion in all aspects of Afghan society, including full and unhindered participation in the socio-economic, cultural, political and judicial spheres, and equal access to education and employment across all sectors, is essential to overcoming the current humanitarian crisis, and achieving lasting peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan. 

Afghan women must be able to enjoy unhindered freedom of movement, association, and expression without facing intimidation, violence, forced disappearances, or arbitrary detention.

Today we reiterate our unwavering support to all Afghan women and girls. We share and support their hopes for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan in which all Afghans, women and men, boys and girls, people with disabilities and minorities have full enjoyment of their human rights without discrimination and are entitled to equal protection and equal benefit of the law. Building an inclusive society with equal opportunities for all will be the foundation for the country to achieve its full potential.

Special concern is expressed for women belonging to ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities, women human rights defenders, and leaders, as well as women judges, prosecutors, former government and security forces employees, and women journalists.”

This statement is issued by the following members of the Friends of Afghan Women Ambassadors’ Group: Australia; Denmark; Canada; the European Union; the Netherlands; the United Kingdom; the United Nations; and the United States.