A number of Afghan citizens living in Spain, including civil society activists, human rights advocates, and cultural and social activists, once again held a protest in Madrid to express support for women’s rights in Afghanistan.
In a statement released on June 20, the organizers said the gathering was held peacefully in Madrid and aimed to express serious concern over the human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the condition of women and girls.
According to the statement, the systematic deprivation of women’s rights to education, employment, freedom of movement, social and political participation, and access to justice constitutes a clear example of structural discrimination and widespread human rights violations.
The protesters said the situation could also be examined within the framework of “gender apartheid” and should be taken seriously by international institutions.
The statement added that the Taliban’s repression is not limited to women. Various ethnic, religious, and minority groups have also faced discrimination, harassment, and organized violence.
It further referred to the situation of the Hazara community, as well as arbitrary detentions and the suppression of human rights activists, strongly condemning these actions.
The organizers warned that the continuation of such policies represents a clear violation of human rights and human dignity, adding that the international community’s silence is unacceptable.
They called on the international community to take urgent and practical measures to end the situation and support the rights of all Afghan citizens.