UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Afghan women must be active actors in change
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has said that Afghan women must be active actors in change and given the opportunity to lead peace, humanitarian and development processes.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Beschlett, said in a statement that women in Afghanistan are often portrayed as victims in the international community and in the media.
“In fact, Afghan women have worked tirelessly to protect and support their families and communities in the face of war, extreme poverty, indescribable violence and discrimination,” she added. They have been threatened and attacked for protesting, they have been removed from positions of power and decision-making, but that has not stopped them from bravely claiming their rights and building support networks. “They are not passive spectators.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights added: “Girls must be able to go to school and university and be empowered to make a strong contribution to the future of their country. “Women must be openly present in the police force, in the courts, in the government and in the private sector, and in fact in every part of civil and social life.”
He stressed that violence against women and girls in public and private places should never be tolerated, should be condemned and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.
