Activists tell Abu Dhabi Peace Conference that Afghan women are being ‘erased’

An Afghan activist pleads with the world to help women and girls avoid being raped Taliban.

Speaking at the opening day of the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security Abu Dhabijournalist Mahbouba Seraj said Afghan women desperately needed aid.

“I sit here with a heavy heart because today I have no country. Today I do not exist for my country,” Seraj said.

“What women are going through today in my beautiful country is unbelievable – the Taliban have crossed the line. They have ignored women.

“Today, Muslim men in my country, in the name of Islam, cannot even look at us. We are being wiped from existence.”

because Taliban take over Afghanistan A report released last month by the United Nations political mission in the country said as many as 700 people were killed and 1,400 injured as of August 15, 2021, despite improvements in overall security.

It highlights how women are denied many human rights, barred from secondary education and restricted.

Seraji, who refused to leave the country after the Taliban took power, said she was “begging” for Afghan women’s voices to be heard.

“Why are we being pushed to the brink of extinction? What have we done to the world to allow them to allow this to happen?” she asked.

“We stood by your side when you needed us, and now we’re suddenly unwanted people?”

Prioritizing the women, peace and security agenda

Seraj was one of the speakers on a panel discussion on Making Peace Work for Women and the Global Landscape, which is on the current Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

Adopted in 2000 under UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the WPS underscores the importance of women’s equal participation and full participation in all efforts to maintain peace and security in conflict zones around the world, as well as post-conflict construction.

Lana NusaybeThe UAE ambassador to the United Nations said at the meeting that the UAE will continue to closely monitor the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and other countries around the world.

“The UAE has always been clear and declared that the restrictions imposed by the Taliban are inconsistent with Islamic values,” she said via video link.

“Indeed, the meaningful and substantial integration of women into all aspects of society is a key pillar of our domestic and foreign policy. This is why the UAE has prioritized the WPS agenda during our tenure on the UN Security Council.”

March, Ms Nusseibeh urges Taliban Getting girls into classrooms, says educating women is “fully compatible” with Islam.

“Religion cannot be used to justify extremist ideology or justify discrimination against women and girls,” Ms Nusaybe said.

“The UAE supports Afghan women and girls as they demand their right to work, education and participation in public life, which is fully in line with Islam and our culture.”

Afghan women under Taliban rule: in pictures

Updated: September 8, 2022 4:37pm