Statement of the Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile Expressing Concern Over the Reported Suppression of Women Protesters in Herat and Calling for the Immediate Release of Those Detained

Statement of the Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile Expressing Concern Over the Reported Suppression of Women Protesters in Herat and Calling for the Immediate Release of Those Detained

The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile expresses its deep concern regarding reports of the suppression of peaceful women protesters in Herat and the detention of a number of women participating in a peaceful public demonstration.According to available reports, the protest was organized by women seeking to peacefully express their concerns regarding the continued restrictions affecting their fundamental rights and freedoms. The reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators and the subsequent detention of participants raise serious concerns under internationally recognized human rights principles, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and personal liberty.For nearly five years, women and girls in Afghanistan have faced extensive restrictions affecting their access to education, employment, freedom of movement, public participation, and other fundamental rights. In this context, peaceful civic engagement represents a legitimate and non-violent means through which individuals seek to express their views and advocate for their rights and dignity.The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile respectfully calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all women who have reportedly been detained solely for exercising their rights peacefully. We believe that no individual should be subjected to arrest, intimidation, or punishment for participating in peaceful demonstrations or expressing opinions through lawful and non-violent means.We are also deeply concerned about the well-being of those reportedly in detention and call upon the de facto authorities to ensure their safety, dignity, access to appropriate care where needed, and protection from any form of physical or psychological harm.The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile respectfully urges the United Nations, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), international human rights organizations, and the broader international community to continue closely monitoring developments concerning the rights of women in Afghanistan and to engage constructively in efforts aimed at protecting fundamental freedoms and promoting respect for international human rights standards.We further encourage the international community to continue supporting initiatives that safeguard the rights of Afghan women and girls, promote meaningful participation in public life, and foster an environment in which peaceful civic engagement can take place without fear of intimidation or reprisal.The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile stands in solidarity with the women of Herat and with all Afghan women who continue to advocate peacefully for equality, justice, education, and human dignity. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting their voices through peaceful advocacy and international engagement.We remain convinced that a peaceful, stable, and inclusive Afghanistan can only be achieved through the protection of fundamental human rights and the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of society.

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