Afghanistan

Afghanistan: What good friends left behind

Two years ago, as the bombs began to drop, George Bush promised Afghanistan 'the generosity of America and its allies'. Now, the familiar old warlords are regaining power, religious fundamentalism is renewing its grip and military skirmishes continue...

Afghanistan: What Liberation?

The Taliban may be gone, but women in Afghanistan are still being arrested for 'moral' crimes.

Afghanistan: Sima Samar Wins Perdita Huston Human Rights Award

Dr Sima Samar, the chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC), will be presented with the Perdita Huston Human Rights Award on June 11 in Washington, DC.

Afghanistan: Sharia 'only source' of law

KABUL - Islamic shariah law is the 'only source' of legislation in Afghanistan, deputy chief justice Fazel Ahmad Manawi has declared.

Afghanistan: Constitutional Commission includes seven women

The 35-member commission appointed to review Afghanistan's draft constitution includes seven women.

Afghanistan: Perpetuation of warlordism detrimental to security for women

Once again gender apartheid is being instituted in grave violations of the human rights of girls and women in Afghanistan. This time, the attacks are coming from warlords.

Afghanistan: Afghan Women's Network calls for sweeping constitutional changes to improve women's rights

The Afghan Women's Network (AWN) has called for sweeping changes in the Afghan Constitution that would permit Afghan women free health care in all maternal health facilities and equal rights in all aspects of divorce and custody of children.

Afghanistan: Leaping to conclusions

Well-meaning observers are making dangerous assumptions about Afghan women and their goals for the future. By Tamim Ansary (salon.com).

Afghanistan: Divisions in central government hampers effort on new constitution

There are deep divisions within the Afghan central government between those who favour a conservative interpretation of Islamic law and those who want to revive more progressive ideas about the judiciary.

Dossier 17: Women’s Rights in the Current Political Backdrop of Afghanistan

Introduction:

Violence against women is one of the sharp indicators of the subordinate position of women in the society. Violence exists in different forms, different levels from personal to physical violence to structural violence, justified by religion, culture and laws. Most of the steps taken from the protection of women against violence tend in addressing the women rather than men. These steps don’t enforce laws or take action against men.

The women issues are political issues. The social paradigms don’t recognize this.