Urgent Call for Inclusive and Human Rights-Focused Discussions on Afghanistan's Future
Urgent Call for Inclusive and Human Rights-Focused Discussions on Afghanistan's Future
The Issue
Disclosure Statement:
Your privacy is our utmost priority, and we are committed to protecting your personal details. We will never share your details with anyone, and you will always remain anonymised.
Additionally, this petition is not related to any political group or organisation. It is a grassroots effort by and for people to come together and show their support for a better Afghanistan.
Please note that neither Yama Mujadidi nor any other organiser of this petition will ever request money or donations from you. Signing this petition is entirely free of charge. However, when signing the petition, you may be prompted by the Change.org website to make a donation. This request is independent of this petition and is solely for the support of Change.org's platform.
Any contributions made to Change.org are entirely voluntary and will not benefit Yama Mujadidi or the petition organisers in any way. If you do not wish to make a donation, you can simply click the option "Sorry, I can't do anything right now" and proceed to sign the petition without any payment.
Your participation and support are greatly appreciated.
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We, the undersigned, urge the United Nations to prioritise the most critical and fundamental issues facing Afghanistan, such as protecting human rights, particularly women's rights, restoring citizenship rights, and establishing a stable and inclusive government. These issues should be at the forefront of all upcoming meetings, conversations, and decisions concerning the country's future. The upcoming U.N.-hosted meeting in Doha, Qatar, scheduled to commence on 30 June – 1 July 2024, serves as a crucial example of this necessity. This meeting, marking the third session of the "Doha process", will include participation from the Taliban[1] [YM2] . However, we are profoundly disappointed that the agenda fails to address these crucial issues.
Lack of Inclusivity and Representation
The exclusion of representatives from civil society and women's rights activists is a significant oversight, given the dire situation on the ground. Currently, 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women, amounting to 2.5 million individuals, are out of school due to the Taliban ban. This deprivation not only hampers their educational opportunities but also leads to profound psychological distress and a pervasive sense of hopelessness among Afghan women. The inclusion of these representatives is crucial to address this issue and ensure a brighter future for Afghan women.
Legitimacy
The full, equal, effective, and safe participation of diverse women, civil society, and human rights defenders is essential for the legitimacy of these talks.
Transparency and Accountability
The participants in the Doha Talks and all future discussions must be transparent and accountable about the agenda, ensuring meaningful participation of women and Afghan civil society representatives. The international community and donors bear responsibility for the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls, regarding the outcomes of these talks. These discussions should not solely serve geopolitical interests. We demand transparency and accountability to instil confidence in the process and its outcomes.
The Risk of Failure
The Doha meetings and any similar future meetings are at risk of failure if they do not adequately address the Afghan human rights situation and fail to engage with Afghan women's rights defenders. The voices of those directly affected must be heard and considered in any discussion on the country's future. The consequences of such a failure would be dire, leading to a perpetuation of the current human rights crisis and further marginalisation of Afghan women and civil society.
Afghan Self-Determination
It is high time for Afghans to assert their right to self-determination and take control of their destiny. The United Nations and other countries often act according to their own interests. Afghans must assert their right to self-determination and not allow external parties to dictate their futures. This is not just a demand, but a call for empowerment and control over their own lives and future.
Call to Action for the Afghan Diaspora
We urge Afghans living outside the country, who often have a unique perspective and access to international platforms, to take collective action and make it clear to the world that they desire peace and that a government supports human rights, including women's rights. The U.N. should ensure the inclusion of critical representatives who genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people in all discussions. The active involvement of the Afghan diaspora can significantly amplify these voices and contribute to a more inclusive and effective peace process.
Follow-Up Steps
The commitments made in previous Doha talks, such as the protection of human rights and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, still need to be fulfilled. We demand a collective and transparent follow-up mechanism within the international community regarding their obligations and the Taliban's actions. This mechanism should ensure that all parties are held accountable for their commitments and that the rights and needs of Afghan women and civil society are not overlooked.
Further Clarification of the Situation
The human rights situation in Afghanistan continued to deteriorate in 2023 as the Taliban committed widespread human rights violations, particularly against women and girls. Afghanistan remained the only country where women and girls could not access secondary and higher education and were banned from most employment with Local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) [3] [YM4] (except in health care, nutrition, and primary education). Women also faced significant barriers to freedom of movement and speech. Human Rights Watch has concluded that the pattern of abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan amounts to the crime against humanity of gender persecution [Human Rights Watch].
Taliban authorities cracked down further on local media and freedom of speech and increased arbitrary detentions of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists, including women protesters. Their forces detained and executed members of the former government's security forces. On August 22, 2023, the UN reported that since August 2021, there had been at least 800 instances of extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrests, and detentions, over 144 cases of torture and brutal treatment, 218 extrajudicial deaths, and 14 enforced disappearances of former government employees and security personnel by Taliban forces [United Nation Assistance Mission in Afghanistan].
AS per the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, More than 28 million people, almost two-thirds of the population, needed humanitarian aid in Afghanistan in 2023, 14.7 million of whom needed it for basic survival, making it one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The UN reported that by mid-2023, 4 million Afghans were acutely malnourished, including 3.2 million children under 5. The primary reasons for the humanitarian crisis were:
- The loss of most foreign assistance after August 2021.
- A shortfall in humanitarian assistance in 2023.
- A longstanding drought exacerbated by climate change.
A December 24, 2022, ban on women working with local and NGOs and by force resignation of all women led organisation including their female board members, except in positions relating to health, nutrition, and education, continues to deprive many women of their livelihoods. The ban exacerbated the humanitarian crisis by making it more difficult to deliver aid to women and girls and assess and monitor the humanitarian needs of women and girls who generally have more difficulty accessing food and other humanitarian assistance [Reuters].
Afghanistan's criminal code makes same-sex conduct a criminal offence, and the Taliban have echoed the previous government's support for the criminalisation of same-sex relations, with some of their leaders vowing to punish lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, many of whom live in hiding as a result [Reuters].
Our Demands
(1) We call on the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council to prioritise the most critical and fundamental issues facing Afghanistan today, including Access to Fundamental human rights, citizenship. Any discussion on Afghanistan's future must include representatives from women's rights activists, civil society, ethnics and religious minorities and other marginalised groups.
(2) Afghans should make decisions regarding Afghanistan. The U.N. should facilitate Afghan dialog’s to enabling Afghans (men and women) to devise their own solutions without imposing decisions. Any meetings and discussions should also prioritise citizenship, women's rights, and human rights without compromise. Where possible, the new and younger generations should be involved, particularly those with no history of criminal activity.
Let us amplify these voices to demand a future in which human rights and justice prevail for all Afghans. Sign this petition to support this future.
Supporting Organisations and Individuals
We are grateful for the support of various organisations and individuals who stand in solidarity with the Afghan people. Their commitment to justice, equality, and human rights drives this cause forward. Below is a list of our supporters:
- Yama F Mujadidi, University of Oxford
- Negina Yari, Civil society activist Education and Peace exper
- Women with Disabilities Social Association
- Window For Hope
- Afghan Women Initiatives Center
- bee4change e.V.
We invite more organisations and individuals to join us in this crucial endeavour to secure Afghanistan's just and equitable future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the voices of Afghan people are heard and respected in all international dialogues and decisions.
99
The Issue
Disclosure Statement:
Your privacy is our utmost priority, and we are committed to protecting your personal details. We will never share your details with anyone, and you will always remain anonymised.
Additionally, this petition is not related to any political group or organisation. It is a grassroots effort by and for people to come together and show their support for a better Afghanistan.
Please note that neither Yama Mujadidi nor any other organiser of this petition will ever request money or donations from you. Signing this petition is entirely free of charge. However, when signing the petition, you may be prompted by the Change.org website to make a donation. This request is independent of this petition and is solely for the support of Change.org's platform.
Any contributions made to Change.org are entirely voluntary and will not benefit Yama Mujadidi or the petition organisers in any way. If you do not wish to make a donation, you can simply click the option "Sorry, I can't do anything right now" and proceed to sign the petition without any payment.
Your participation and support are greatly appreciated.
---
We, the undersigned, urge the United Nations to prioritise the most critical and fundamental issues facing Afghanistan, such as protecting human rights, particularly women's rights, restoring citizenship rights, and establishing a stable and inclusive government. These issues should be at the forefront of all upcoming meetings, conversations, and decisions concerning the country's future. The upcoming U.N.-hosted meeting in Doha, Qatar, scheduled to commence on 30 June – 1 July 2024, serves as a crucial example of this necessity. This meeting, marking the third session of the "Doha process", will include participation from the Taliban[1] [YM2] . However, we are profoundly disappointed that the agenda fails to address these crucial issues.
Lack of Inclusivity and Representation
The exclusion of representatives from civil society and women's rights activists is a significant oversight, given the dire situation on the ground. Currently, 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women, amounting to 2.5 million individuals, are out of school due to the Taliban ban. This deprivation not only hampers their educational opportunities but also leads to profound psychological distress and a pervasive sense of hopelessness among Afghan women. The inclusion of these representatives is crucial to address this issue and ensure a brighter future for Afghan women.
Legitimacy
The full, equal, effective, and safe participation of diverse women, civil society, and human rights defenders is essential for the legitimacy of these talks.
Transparency and Accountability
The participants in the Doha Talks and all future discussions must be transparent and accountable about the agenda, ensuring meaningful participation of women and Afghan civil society representatives. The international community and donors bear responsibility for the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls, regarding the outcomes of these talks. These discussions should not solely serve geopolitical interests. We demand transparency and accountability to instil confidence in the process and its outcomes.
The Risk of Failure
The Doha meetings and any similar future meetings are at risk of failure if they do not adequately address the Afghan human rights situation and fail to engage with Afghan women's rights defenders. The voices of those directly affected must be heard and considered in any discussion on the country's future. The consequences of such a failure would be dire, leading to a perpetuation of the current human rights crisis and further marginalisation of Afghan women and civil society.
Afghan Self-Determination
It is high time for Afghans to assert their right to self-determination and take control of their destiny. The United Nations and other countries often act according to their own interests. Afghans must assert their right to self-determination and not allow external parties to dictate their futures. This is not just a demand, but a call for empowerment and control over their own lives and future.
Call to Action for the Afghan Diaspora
We urge Afghans living outside the country, who often have a unique perspective and access to international platforms, to take collective action and make it clear to the world that they desire peace and that a government supports human rights, including women's rights. The U.N. should ensure the inclusion of critical representatives who genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people in all discussions. The active involvement of the Afghan diaspora can significantly amplify these voices and contribute to a more inclusive and effective peace process.
Follow-Up Steps
The commitments made in previous Doha talks, such as the protection of human rights and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, still need to be fulfilled. We demand a collective and transparent follow-up mechanism within the international community regarding their obligations and the Taliban's actions. This mechanism should ensure that all parties are held accountable for their commitments and that the rights and needs of Afghan women and civil society are not overlooked.
Further Clarification of the Situation
The human rights situation in Afghanistan continued to deteriorate in 2023 as the Taliban committed widespread human rights violations, particularly against women and girls. Afghanistan remained the only country where women and girls could not access secondary and higher education and were banned from most employment with Local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) [3] [YM4] (except in health care, nutrition, and primary education). Women also faced significant barriers to freedom of movement and speech. Human Rights Watch has concluded that the pattern of abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan amounts to the crime against humanity of gender persecution [Human Rights Watch].
Taliban authorities cracked down further on local media and freedom of speech and increased arbitrary detentions of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists, including women protesters. Their forces detained and executed members of the former government's security forces. On August 22, 2023, the UN reported that since August 2021, there had been at least 800 instances of extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrests, and detentions, over 144 cases of torture and brutal treatment, 218 extrajudicial deaths, and 14 enforced disappearances of former government employees and security personnel by Taliban forces [United Nation Assistance Mission in Afghanistan].
AS per the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, More than 28 million people, almost two-thirds of the population, needed humanitarian aid in Afghanistan in 2023, 14.7 million of whom needed it for basic survival, making it one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The UN reported that by mid-2023, 4 million Afghans were acutely malnourished, including 3.2 million children under 5. The primary reasons for the humanitarian crisis were:
- The loss of most foreign assistance after August 2021.
- A shortfall in humanitarian assistance in 2023.
- A longstanding drought exacerbated by climate change.
A December 24, 2022, ban on women working with local and NGOs and by force resignation of all women led organisation including their female board members, except in positions relating to health, nutrition, and education, continues to deprive many women of their livelihoods. The ban exacerbated the humanitarian crisis by making it more difficult to deliver aid to women and girls and assess and monitor the humanitarian needs of women and girls who generally have more difficulty accessing food and other humanitarian assistance [Reuters].
Afghanistan's criminal code makes same-sex conduct a criminal offence, and the Taliban have echoed the previous government's support for the criminalisation of same-sex relations, with some of their leaders vowing to punish lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, many of whom live in hiding as a result [Reuters].
Our Demands
(1) We call on the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council to prioritise the most critical and fundamental issues facing Afghanistan today, including Access to Fundamental human rights, citizenship. Any discussion on Afghanistan's future must include representatives from women's rights activists, civil society, ethnics and religious minorities and other marginalised groups.
(2) Afghans should make decisions regarding Afghanistan. The U.N. should facilitate Afghan dialog’s to enabling Afghans (men and women) to devise their own solutions without imposing decisions. Any meetings and discussions should also prioritise citizenship, women's rights, and human rights without compromise. Where possible, the new and younger generations should be involved, particularly those with no history of criminal activity.
Let us amplify these voices to demand a future in which human rights and justice prevail for all Afghans. Sign this petition to support this future.
Supporting Organisations and Individuals
We are grateful for the support of various organisations and individuals who stand in solidarity with the Afghan people. Their commitment to justice, equality, and human rights drives this cause forward. Below is a list of our supporters:
- Yama F Mujadidi, University of Oxford
- Negina Yari, Civil society activist Education and Peace exper
- Women with Disabilities Social Association
- Window For Hope
- Afghan Women Initiatives Center
- bee4change e.V.
We invite more organisations and individuals to join us in this crucial endeavour to secure Afghanistan's just and equitable future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the voices of Afghan people are heard and respected in all international dialogues and decisions.
99
Petition created on 24 June 2024