Femina Alliance Stands with Afghan Women and Journalists at Canadian Parliament Event

Senior Canadian officials recently met with journalists and Afghan activists in Ottawa to address the Taliban's escalating violations of women's rights. Bob Rae, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, described the situation in Afghanistan as Gender Apartheid, highlighting the brutal and systematic discrimination against Afghan women. He emphasized, There is no place in the world where such complete and systematic oppression of women exists.

The meeting, organized by the Dashty Foundation and Freedom House and hosted by the Canadian Parliament, shed light on the growing restrictions on women and media in Afghanistan. Jacqueline O'Neill, Canada's ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security, reaffirmed Canadas commitment to holding the Taliban accountable, referencing a joint initiative by Canada, Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands to bring the Taliban before the International Court of Justice. However, she cautioned against expecting immediate changes, given the complex political landscape.

Despite Canada and other Western nations vocal criticism of the Taliban, gender apartheid has yet to be criminalized under international law. This gap has drawn attention from global leaders, with some warning that debates over criminalization may divert focus from critical humanitarian efforts for Afghan women.

A Deteriorating State of Press Freedom

Ali Ehsassi, a Canadian Member of Parliament, and Lotfullah Najafizada, head of Amu TV, highlighted Afghanistan's alarming decline in press freedom. Over the past three years, the country has fallen from 121st to 178th on the global press freedom index. More than 300 journalists have faced arrest, harassment, and torture during this period. Participants at the meeting emphasized the urgent need to release imprisoned Afghan journalists and to lift the Taliban's severe restrictions on media.

The attendees called on Canada and other nations to:

• Provide safety training for journalists working under dangerous conditions in Afghanistan.

• Support exiled journalists and media outlets.

• Advocate for the release of imprisoned journalists.

• Apply diplomatic pressure to lift restrictions on electronic media.

Support for Afghan Journalists in Exile

The meeting also drew attention to the plight of Afghan journalists in Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, who face the looming threat of deportation. Participants stressed the importance of supporting these journalists and urged governments to uphold their principled stances on Afghanistan.

As global attention wanes, Canada's role in advocating for Afghan women and journalists remains critical. The meeting underscored the importance of international solidarity in addressing gender apartheid and defending press freedom in one of the world's most repressive regimes.