Women worried about their rights in peace talks: Study

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: A study by Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) shows that Afghan women are worried about their rights in the peace talks with the Taliban, who implemented strict rules against women during their regime in Kabul before 2001.

At least 4,000 were interviewed in 14 provinces during this study. A majority of the interviewees have said they want a ceasefire between the warring parties.

The AIHRC Chairperson Sima Samar said the interviewees have raised their concerns about losing their rights and freedoms in the peace talks.

She said the interviewees have said they are concerned about their absence in the peace negotiations.

“We should hear the voice of the people and run a campaign for women’s inclusion (in the peace) process, not only because they are citizen, but because they have been victims of the war,” Samar said.

Samar said an enduring peace cannot be achieved if the Afghan women are not considered and included in the peace talks.

She insisted that women should be given a meaningful role in the peace process.

“The women should have an effective presence in peace, from the peace planning to talks with the Taliban and implementation of the peace agreement,” Samar added.

“We cannot have peace in Afghanistan without women’s participation,” said Mustafa Alizada, a university lecturer. (TOLOnews)