By Lucy Caulkett-
Amnesty International have today unveiled a painting in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the country’s women.
The painting, described as a mural, depicts Afghan women protesting for their rights, demanding equality and raising their voices for justice. Amnesty say it has been set up as part of their campaign to promote the rights of human rights defenders. Around the world, attacks against ordinary people who stand up for freedom, justice and equality are surging, the organisation says Amnesty’s Brave campaign is calling on the UK Government to make supporting these human rights defenders a priority
The committed Human Rights Group have expressed grave concerns that women around the world continue to endure great challenges when it comes to their human rights.A United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report last year found that there are worryingly few prosecutions of violent crimes against women. More than half of the 237 cases monitored by UNAMA between 2015 and 2017 were instead referred for ‘mediation’ – in violation of the Elimination of Violence Against Women law.
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The UNAMA report also found that in 280 murders of women, there were convictions in only 50 cases. Reports that most of the cases were not even heard by the courts should disturb the minds of any genuine human being. Where is the conscience of these people, and what laws govern them? These are very serious allegations that go unnoticed because of the serious level of corruption in countries like this.
Amnesty international also say that participation of women have been very limited since peace talks between the U.S and the Taliban began. There have since been no serious discussion on women’s rights.Around the world, attacks against ordinary people who stand up for freedom, justice and equality are surging. Amnesty’s Brave campaign is calling on the UK Government to make supporting these human rights defenders a priority
Samira Hamidi, South Asia campaigner at Amnesty International, said:
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“Afghan women are famous for their resolve and we are celebrating that this International Women’s Day.
“Despite more than 17 years of conflict, they have made remarkable strides. They are lawyers, doctors, judges, teachers, engineers, athletes, activists, politicians, journalists, bureaucrats, run their own businesses, and are in the ranks of the military and police.
“These hard-won advances must not be rolled back at any cost. Women have been at the forefront of the calls for peace in Afghanistan. But there can be no peace process worthy of the name that excludes women or compromises on their rights. Afghan women cannot be ignored or silenced.
“It is crucial that Afghanistan builds on the limited but important gains made on women’s rights so that we are able to confront the many challenges that remain.”
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Amnesty say women’s rights have been violated since the imposition of Taliban rule that frustrated the freedom of women and hampered their human rights. Women’s rights to move freely, obtain a good education, and to work has long been hindered by oppressive Taliban rule.
Now, there is a dedicated Ministry of Women’s Affairs, with departments throughout the country at provincial levels. Afghanistan also has an Independent Human Rights Commission chaired by a renowned woman human rights defender, Sima Samar. Women also constitute 27 per cent each of parliament and the civil service.
In 2009, Afghanistan passed the law on Elimination of Violence Against Women, after a hard-fought struggle led by women human rights defenders. The law, which fell into disuse after parts of it were absorbed into Afghanistan’s revised Penal Code, was reaffirmed by President Ashraf Ghani in March 2018.
Amnesty international also say that participation of women have been very limited since peace talks between the U.S and the Taliban began. There have since been no serious discussion on women’s rights.
Around the world, attacks against ordinary people who stand up for freedom, justice and equality are surging. Amnesty’s Brave campaign is calling on the UK Government to make supporting these human rights defenders a priority
Image: Amnesty.org.uk
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