Statement of the Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile Condemning Gender Apartheid, Ethnic and Religious Discrimination, and Exclusionary Policies in Afghanistan

Statement of the Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile Condemning Gender Apartheid, Ethnic and Religious Discrimination, and Exclusionary Policies in Afghanistan

The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile express profound concern over the continued institutionalization of gender discrimination, ethnic and religious exclusion, and policies of monopolization that have undermined human rights, equality, and social cohesion in Afghanistan.Today, we raise our voices with one clear and united message: Afghanistan is the shared homeland of all its people. It does not belong exclusively to any single ethnic group, religion, or gender. The history, identity, and future of Afghanistan have been shaped by the sacrifices, aspirations, and contributions of all its citizens—women and men, and people of every ethnic and religious community. No individual or group has the right to claim exclusive ownership of the nation or deny others their equal place within it.We are deeply concerned that the current situation in Afghanistan continues to be characterized by widespread discrimination, exclusion, and the systematic restriction of the rights of women, as well as members of ethnic and religious communities. Such policies and practices are incompatible with the principles of equality, human dignity, and non-discrimination that form the foundation of international human rights law.The systematic exclusion of women from education, employment, public life, and decision-making, together with discriminatory treatment affecting ethnic and religious communities, threatens Afghanistan's social fabric and undermines prospects for lasting peace, stability, and inclusive development.We firmly reject any narrative that seeks to reduce the role of women to exclusion from public life or that promotes the notion that Afghanistan belongs to only one segment of society. Such narratives deny the diversity that has long defined Afghanistan and contribute to the marginalization of millions of its citizens.The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile and the NEW Women's Empowerment Office reaffirm that every Afghan, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or background, is entitled to equal rights, equal protection under the law, and the full enjoyment of fundamental freedoms.We respectfully call upon the United Nations, international human rights mechanisms, governments, and the broader international community to:Continue monitoring and documenting violations of the rights of women and members of ethnic and religious communities in Afghanistan.Support initiatives that promote equality, inclusion, and respect for the human rights of all Afghans without discrimination.Strengthen international efforts to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations and to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law.Encourage an inclusive future for Afghanistan in which women and representatives of all ethnic and religious communities can participate meaningfully in public life and decision-making.History has repeatedly shown that silence in the face of discrimination and injustice allows such practices to persist. We therefore reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peaceful advocacy, solidarity, and the promotion of human rights, equality, justice, and human dignity for every citizen of Afghanistan.We remain convinced that a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan can only be achieved through inclusion, respect for diversity, equal rights, and the meaningful participation of all its people.

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