April 08, 2015

Defenders of womens rights in Afghanistan need better protection

located:	Afghanistan
editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

Womens rights defenders in Afghanistan have made significant gains in the last 14 years, but as American troops continue to be withdrawn, the international community is turning their backs on these crucial human rights workers.

Amnesty International has released a report calling for increased local and international support for the doctors, teachers, lawyers, police and journalists and activists who are actively targeted by not only the Taliban but often warlords and even government officials.

Threats, sexual assault and even assassinations against these women's rights defenders are increasingly common in Afghanistan as the country is given more power to stand on its own two feet.

Women's rights supporters continue their important work in the face of car bombings, grenade attacks, threats to family members and planned assasinations, knowing full well that if they fall victim to an attack, it is likely there will not be any action taken against the perpetrator.

And yet they continue to work.

It’s outrageous that Afghan authorities are leaving them to fend for themselves. , with their situation more dangerous than ever,” said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, in Kabul to launch the report.

“With the troop withdrawal nearly complete, too many in the international community seem happy to sweep Afghanistan under the carpet. We cannot simply abandon this country and those who put their lives on the line for human rights, including women’s rights.”