World Peace Organization Urges Countries to Prevent the Normalization of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan

The report states that the new Taliban law, titled the "Law of Promotion of Virtue," has further "stripped" women's independence by effectively removing their presence from public life.

The World Peace Organization also pointed out that Afghanistan currently holds one of the lowest rankings in terms of inclusion, justice, and security for women according to peace and security indicators.

The organization added that given the Taliban's "hardline stance" on issues such as gender equality, it is essential for global powers to make efforts to improve the situation of women in Afghanistan through engagement with the Taliban.

The report also references discussions between certain countries, including the UK, India, the European Union, and global NGOs with the Taliban, noting that "to continue engagement and limit the potential legitimacy of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, groups that have condemned the weaponization of religion for discriminatory purposes, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, must take a leading role in the human rights discourse and its implications."

The World Peace Organization further stated that, due to human rights violations, especially the rights of women, organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation can raise their objections from a religious perspective.

Additionally, the report suggests that, in coordinating these discussions, it is essential for women and local NGOs to actively engage in addressing not only gender-related issues but also a wide range of current challenges in Afghanistan, including economic and humanitarian matters.

The report also emphasizes that efforts should be made to support and expand Afghanistan's civil space.

The World Peace Organization notes that one of the reasons the "struggle against oppression" has been difficult for the people of Afghanistan is the significant reduction in political and media freedoms since the Taliban's takeover.

The report states that opponents of the Taliban who express their dissent are facing "censorship, arbitrary detentions, and torture," making independent reporting and support extremely difficult.

The organization stresses the need for financial support from human rights organizations and local NGOs to strengthen and protect the welfare of civil society institutions and activists, believing that this would improve access to data on human rights violations and enhance political research reporting.

The World Peace Organization also states that a stronger civil space would increase groups' ability to negotiate and apply pressure on authorities, strengthening the "potential" for real change.

The report concludes by stating that women are an integral part of the health and development of society. Their ongoing disability and marginalization will only harm Afghanistan's path toward peace and prosperity.

The organization adds, "While many countries have lost hope for the improvement of the situation in Afghanistan, it is crucial for the international community to remain steadfast and committed to exerting pressure on the Taliban to restore the basic rights of women and girls throughout the country."