Publisher:U.S. Policy Advocates for Afghan Women and Girls

Publication date: August 15, 2024

Three years have passed since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Since then, the situation for the people of Afghanistan has grown increasingly grave. The Taliban regime has created humanitarian, political, social, and economic disasters. These have directly affected the day-to-day lives of Afghans and caused mass displacement. Women and girls are particularly and disproportionately impacted. The Taliban has dispossessed them of their human rights. Afghanistan is indeed the most serious and severe women’s rights catastrophe in the world. Yet, the international community’s response has been tepid at best and conciliatory at worst. The international community must do more to stand with Afghan women as they struggle to restore their human rights. The U.S. in particular needs to demonstrate solidarity with the Afghan people who are suffering under the Taliban regime and continue to call out the systematic oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Recommendations:

1     The international community should ensure Afghan women, civil society representatives, and minority groups are full participants in all diplomatic talks about Afghanistan.

2    The international community should use all available tools to hold the Taliban accountable for past and ongoing human rights abuses.

3    The United States government should prioritize the needs and concerns of Afghan women in every policy decision related to Afghanistan. Ensure that U.S. decision-makers continuously and meaningfully consult a diverse group of Afghans, including both women inside the country and in the diaspora.

4    The United States government should institutionalize the office of the Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, ensuring that the position continues and is adequately funded, no matter what administration is in office.