Standing for justice, equality, and human dignity.

Statement on Black Day of Afghanistan

Joint Statement by a Coalition of Protest Movements and Civic Organizations On the Occasion of August 15 “For Freedom, Justice, and Human Dignity” To our dear compatriots and the international community; Today, on August 15, we gather once again to raise our voices for justice, solidarity, and our indomitable will. Our demands are clear and non-negotiable: freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law. We declare that our demands remain fully in force, and we articulate our explicit grievances based on international legal standards: Legal and Sectorial Demands: 1. Women: Abolition of Discrimination and Full Legal Equality Pursuant to Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (prohibition of any form of gender discrimination) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): We demand an end to all discriminatory laws, the immediate and unconditional release of all imprisoned female protesters, and the guarantee of full legal, social, and political equality for women. 2. Journalists and the Media: Freedom of Expression and an End to Censorship Pursuant to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (the right to freedom of opinion, expression, and access to information): We demand the immediate release of all detained journalists and media workers, the complete lifting of censorship, and an immediate end to internet shutdowns and restrictions. 3. Military Personnel and Armed Forces: Cessation of Crackdowns and Joining the People Pursuant to the Rome Statute and principles of Customary International Law (prohibition of the use of force against civilians and the illegitimacy of executing illegal/criminal orders): (1) We demand an immediate halt to the deployment of armed forces against civilians, the refusal of military personnel to execute orders of repression, and guaranteed legal protection for all members who refuse to participate in crackdowns and join the people. 4. Migrants, Asylum Seekers, and Displaced Persons: Upholding Dignity and Security Pursuant to Article 33 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (the principle of non-refoulement / prohibition of forced return) and Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: We demand an immediate halt to the forced deportation of asylum seekers to dangerous territories, an end to inhumane treatment at borders, and guaranteed access to basic health, education, and physical security. 5. Universal Justice: Release of Prisoners and Cessation of Executions Pursuant to Articles 3, 5, and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (the right to life, prohibition of torture, and prohibition of arbitrary arrest): We demand an immediate halt to all executions and torture, the unconditional release of all political and conscientious prisoners, and the accountability of perpetrators and commanders of repression in competent courts. Our Covenant The Fundamental Demands of Society: 1- Right to Self-Determination: Pursuant to Article 1 of the International Covenants on Human Rights, sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people. 2- Right to Self-Determination: Pursuant to Article 1 of the International Covenants on Human Rights, sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people. 3- Economic Welfare and Security: An end to systemic corruption and the guarantee of a dignified life for all. Our path is the path of justice and liberation. August 15 stands as a reminder that no measure of repression can extinguish the resolve of an awakened society. Our demands remain unchanged, and we stand firm until full justice is realized. Signed: A Coalition of Protest Movements, Civic Organizations, and Justice-Seeking Bodies August 15.