International representatives, human rights advocates and Afghan women gathered in Geneva to call for stronger accountability measures and greater protection of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The Shahmama Organization hosted a conference titled “Pathways to Justice and Human Rights for Women in Afghanistan“ in Geneva, bringing together representatives of governments, international organizations, United Nations agencies, human rights defenders and Afghan women activists.
According to a statement issued by the organization on Thursday, the event was supported by 11 countries, the European Union and the UN Women. Participants expressed deep concern over the worsening human rights situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan and stressed the need to maintain international attention on the crisis.
Speakers emphasized that Afghanistan women must be meaningfully included in all discussions, negotiations and decision-making processes concerning the country’s future. Participants argued that sustainable peace, stability and inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the full participation of women.
Among the speakers was Richard Bennett, who called for greater use of international legal and human rights mechanisms to ensure accountability for violations committed against Afghan women and girls. He also stressed the importance of documenting abuses and pursuing justice through international institutions.
Participants further called for stronger accountability mechanisms, increased support for Afghanistan women-led initiatives and continued international engagement on women’s rights in Afghanistan. The conference concluded that protecting the rights and freedoms of women remains essential to any long-term solution for the country’s political and humanitarian challenges.
The conference comes amid continued international concern over restrictions affecting Afghanistan women and girls, including limitations on education, employment, public participation and freedom of movement. Human rights organizations and UN experts have repeatedly warned that such measures have significantly reduced women’s access to opportunities and essential services.
The event also follows recent discussions at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where several countries and international bodies raised concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan. Delegates at those meetings emphasized that the exclusion of women from public life continues to undermine prospects for social development, economic recovery and long-term stability in the country.