Zan News: Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, an international lawyer and human rights writer, has stated in a recent article in Forbes that Afghan women face serious threats under the Taliban due to the group’s harsh and discriminatory laws. Photo: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES Forbes: Afghan Women at Risk of Forced Return to Afghanistan April 14, 2025 Zan News Zan News: Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, an international lawyer and human rights writer, has stated in a recent article in Forbes that Afghan women face serious threats under the Taliban due to the group’s harsh and discriminatory laws. In the article, published on Sunday, April 13, Ochab wrote that many Afghan women who are living abroad on educational scholarships are at risk of deportation. She warned that the suspension of financial aid and the halt in visa issuance have paved the way for the forced return of these women to Afghanistan. The article notes that in January of this year alone, the United States canceled the travel of 1,660 Afghan asylum seekers, many of whom are women. It also refers to the situation of more than 80 Afghan women studying in Oman under the “WSE” program, whose scholarships are on the verge of being revoked. According to the U.S. State Department, funding for these scholarships will end on June 30, 2025. Ochab stressed that women in Afghanistan are deprived of education, work, travel, and access to public spaces, and that this situation must be recognized as “gender apartheid.” She called on the international community to cut diplomatic and economic ties with the Taliban and to take immediate action to support Afghan women.

Zan News: On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, members of the Afghanistan Women's Political Participation Network held a protest rally in Islamabad, Pakistan, and issued a statement calling for global action to end violence against women. Sen to Zan News Afghanistan Women’s Political Participation Network Calls for Global Action to End Violence Against Women November 25, 2024 Zan News Zan News: On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, members of the Afghanistan Women's Political Participation Network held a protest rally in Islamabad, Pakistan, and issued a statement calling for global action to end violence against women. In the statement, released on Monday, November 25, the network emphasized that this day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women and encourage effective measures to address this social issue. The statement noted that the global 16-day campaign to end violence against women, which begins on November 25 and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day, focuses on addressing various forms of physical, psychological, and economic violence against women, and aims to create a supportive environment to improve their situation worldwide. According to the network, millions of women around the world continue to suffer from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The statement stressed that raising public awareness and gaining the support of governments and international organizations are key solutions to combat this crisis. The statement also highlighted the critical situation of women in Afghanistan, especially after the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. It noted, "In Afghanistan, the situation of women and girls has become critically dire in recent years. Their basic rights, including the right to education, work, and social freedoms, have been severely restricted. Afghan women are now facing increased violence, social humiliation, and legal injustices." The Afghanistan Women's Political Participation Network emphasized that the Taliban's ban on education for women and girls has not only endangered their educational future but also reinforced a patriarchal system. Additionally, the statement pointed to the exclusion of women from official and public employment, resulting in increased poverty and reduced economic independence. The statement warned that in light of this crisis, domestic violence has risen, and many women, without legal or social support, are facing serious risks. It also noted a concerning increase in suicides among women and young girls. The network stressed that the 16-day campaign could amplify the voices of Afghan women and draw global attention to the urgent need for action to improve the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. The statement concluded: "The 16-day campaign to end violence against women can serve as a coordinated platform to change the status of women in Afghanistan. Through global solidarity and local cooperation, there is hope for a brighter future for Afghan women and girls."

Marina Sadat, a young girl, fell victim to a horrific crime last December. She was arrested by Taliban's "Virtue and Vice" agents in the Dasht-e-Barchi area on charges of "improper hijab." 21 days after her arrest, her body was found in a sack next to a stream in the Paghman district of Kabul. Report on the Murder of Bibi Marina: The Story of a Horrific Crime July 7, 2024 Maryam Naiby Marina Sadat, a young girl, fell victim to a horrific crime last December. She was arrested by Taliban's "Virtue and Vice" agents in the Dasht-e-Barchi area on charges of "improper hijab." 21 days after her arrest, her body was found in a sack next to a stream in the Paghman district of Kabul. Sources close to Marina's family claim that she was tortured and abused by the Taliban during her detention and subsequently killed. It is said that the Taliban, to "cover up the traces of this crime," placed her body in a sack, transported it to Paghman district, and dumped it next to the stream. Marina, who was 23 years old, was a second-semester student in the Computer Science Faculty at Kabul University. When the Taliban closed universities to girls and women, she decided to continue her studies in midwifery at the Farabi Institute in Kabul. She began her studies in this field but was arrested by the Taliban on charges of "improper hijab" and subsequently killed. On the morning of Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Marina left home with her brother. She intended to go to the university, while her brother was heading to a education center for the Kankor exam preparation. At the Nan-waie station in Dasht-e-Barchi, Marina parted ways with her brother. Minutes later, at 9:30 AM, she and several other women and girls were arrested by Taliban's "Virtue and Vice" agents on the pretext of "improper hijab." Marina, who didn't have a scheduled internship on Wednesdays, usually returned home earlier. However, that day she was late, causing her family to start worrying. Her brother contacted her classmates and the management of Farabi Institute, but everyone said Marina had been absent that day. Marina's family searched for her for three weeks. They visited the relevant police stations but were unable to find her. Then they made sure that Marina had been arrested by the Taliban's "Virtue and Vice" agents on the pretext of "improper hijab." A source close to her family, speaking to Zan TV on the condition of anonymity, said, "A girl who was detained with Marina and also arrested from the Dasht-e-Barchi area told Marina's family, when they visited the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, that Marina was held there for a week but was then transferred to another location." The source added, "After informed that Marina had been transferred to another location, her family visited various Taliban governmental institutions, the old and new Ministry of Interior, Pul-e-Charkhi prison, Badam Bagh prison, the provincial prison, the prison of Directorate 40, the Kabul command, and other detention centers to follow up on her. Unfortunately, they were unable to find Marina." However, 21 days later, on January 10, 2023, her body was found in a sack near a stream at "Chawk-e-Argandi" in Paghman district, Kabul. Signs of torture, beating, whipping, and the butt of a rifle were visible on her body, and there were also marks of strangulation around her neck. The source said, "The local representative contacted Marina's family and told them that their daughter might be in a Taliban prison in Paghman district. The representative was aware of the situation and, to prevent the family from panicking, did not directly tell them that their daughter's body had been found." When Marina's father, mother, and brothers went to Paghman, the Taliban showed them her body. It was said that when Marina's body was found, it was unrecognizable, and her brother identified her by her clothes. Marina's family was shocked upon seeing her body. Her physical condition was extremely dire. The source added, "When Marina's body was found, her family faced a horrific scene. Her face and body were severely blackened, and the marks of strangulation with a cloth were clearly visible around her neck. Her hands and mouth were bound, and her feet were also tied. Her shoes, clothes, and nose were bloodied." The locals found Marina's bag, books, and notebooks at a distance from where her body was discovered. It has been said that Marina's body was transferred to forensic medicine for examination after its discovery. However, forensic medicine did not provide Marina's family with any details or information about the examination results. The source states, "The only question asked by forensic medicine from Marina's family was whether they knew this girl. Due to shock and profound grief, Marina's parents were unable to respond, so her brother said yes, she is Marina, my sister. Then they asked for their IDs from Marina's father, mother, and brother, made copies of them, and returned them. Finally, Marina's family had their fingerprints taken on a piece of paper and handed over Marina's body to them." Marina's family transferred her body to the Imam Reza Mosque in Spin Kalay, a locality of Khushal Khan Mina in Kabul, and buried her there in the afternoon of the same day. Sources have claimed regarding the reason for Marina's torture that "the reason for this torture and horrific violence was that the Taliban had a demand from Marina, which she refused to comply with." Marina's family, after completing the mourning ceremonies, once again approached the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Interior of the Taliban to inquire about the reasons and perpetrators of her murder. However, the Taliban did not provide any details to Marina's family and instead threatened them with death in response. As of today, Marina's family has received no response from the Taliban regarding the reasons for her killing, and the motive remains unclear. Marina's parents did not remain silent in their quest for justice and accountability regarding their daughter's murder. They lodged complaints and protested to all Taliban governmental bodies they had previously approached, but received no response. The Taliban pressured Marina's family to refrain from pursuing the matter and threatened them with death to ensure their silence. The threats against Marina's family came both via telephone and directly or indirectly from the Taliban. These threats were specifically directed at Marina's parents, urging them to cease their pursuit of Marina's murder case. According to sources, Marina's family did not take the Taliban's threats seriously and strongly demanded justice for Marina. However, one day unexpectedly, the Taliban raided their house while Marina's family was not home. The Taliban approached their neighbors and asked them about the whereabouts of Marina's family. The Marina family, due to continuous threats from the Taliban and an attack on their home, were forced to flee inside Kabul. Initially, they sought refuge at the homes of friends and relatives in various parts of Kabul city, then stayed temporarily at an airfield area house. However, they were pursued by the Taliban there as well and were compelled to flee from that location too. Ultimately, the Marina family had to escape from Kabul. On February 9th, the Marina family, consisting of seven members including four children, all under the age of 18 with the youngest being 10 years old, headed towards the Nimruz border. The weather was very cold with snow falling. The Marina family's goal was to reach Iran, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. They were also identified by the Taliban in Nimruz and forced to return to Kabul. On February 14th, at 11:30 PM, at a Taliban checkpoint at the entrance gate of Maidan Wardak and Kabul, the Marina family was detained while they were aboard bus type 583. The Taliban closed their eyes and mouths them and transferred them to an unknown location. The source states: "During the detention, the Taliban interrogated the Marina family. They asked why they hadn't remained silent and protested every day. The Taliban used physical violence against the Marina family, beating them with lashes and pipes." After their arrest, the Marina family spent 5 days and nights in Taliban custody and were released on the night of February 20th in Gulaee Mahatab Qala. The source states: "The Taliban released them due to the severe mental condition of one of Marina's brothers, who had developed psychological problems after seeing his sister's body, and also because of the young children among the family. However, after the release of the other family members, Marina's parents are still detained by the Taliban." So far, more than 7 and a half months have passed since Marina's parents were detained. The Marina family has no information about parent’s situation and are unaware of their fate. The source close to Marina stated, "Marina's family contacted UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) and provided them with a detailed account of the situation along with relevant documents, requesting support. However, UNAMA's response was disappointing. They said there was nothing they could do." According to the source, UNAMA has told Marina's family that "while it is true that this is a human rights violation and a crime against women, we are not able to intervene effectively in this matter. This is not the first case of such crimes, as the bodies of several other girls have also been found in the Omid-e-Sabz township and other parts of the city. We can only publish this issue in our quarterly report and have no power to secure the release of Marina's parents or pursue justice for Marina." Now, three brothers and one sister of Marina are living in hiding due to fear of the Taliban. The source says, "Marina had big aspirations. She wanted to complete her education and achieve great success. She was studying Computer Science at Kabul University. Unfortunately, with the Taliban's closure of universities to girls, she couldn't fulfill her dream of completing this desired field. Therefore, she began studying midwifery, aiming to become a doctor and serve her fellow citizens in her community. Marina was a talented and diligent girl. Alongside her university studies, she also learned Islamic sciences, Quran recitation, memorization, and Arabic language. She worked as a seamstress and beautician to cover her educational expenses. Marina adhered strictly to Islamic hijab guidelines, covering even her hair completely." The source says that Marina's family urges all free people and human rights defenders to amplify their voices to the world and not remain silent in the face of "Taliban crimes." Marina's family demands justice for Marina and all women who have become victims of "Taliban injustice and tyranny." They argue that "we must not allow this tragedy to repeat for other women in Afghanistan, and we should always stand for justice and defend the rights of the oppressed." It is worth noting that Taliban forces detained dozens of women and girls from the Dasht Barchi, Khair Khana, and Taymani Project areas of Kabul city in December 2023 and February 2024 under the pretext of "improper hijab". This Taliban action drew widespread reactions, but the group continued to detain women and girls, disregarding these reactions.

Zan News: The Purple Saturdays Movement has warned the United Nations and global human rights organizations to take immediate and decisive action against the Taliban's crimes against humanity, particularly against Afghan women, before humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan completely spirals out of control. Purple Saturdays Movement Calls for Urgent and Decisive UN Action Against Taliban Crimes October 13, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The Purple Saturdays Movement has warned the United Nations and global human rights organizations to take immediate and decisive action against the Taliban's crimes against humanity, particularly against Afghan women, before humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan completely spirals out of control. In protests and a statement released today, Sunday (October 13), members of the movement said: "Afghan women have been the primary victims of the Taliban's systematic violence for over three years and have faced widespread human rights abuses, including horrific rapes in prisons, forced marriages to Taliban fighters, and kidnappings from the streets in the name of enforcing Sharia law and the hijab." The statement said that the continued crimes against women have not only shattered their lives but have also challenged the global commitment to human rights and justice. The Purple Saturdays Movement emphasized in the statement that "the UN and global human rights organizations must act decisively against the Taliban's crimes, especially against women, before the humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan spirals out of control, and end engagement with the Taliban by imposing severe pressures and sanctions, humanitarian intervention, and independent monitoring of the group's crimes." The movement said that the fight against Taliban crimes is not just a battle for Afghan women but that a delay in a global response could set a dangerous pattern for other oppressive regimes worldwide. The Purple Saturdays Movement also noted that "the fight against Taliban crimes is a test of the global commitment to human rights and justice and should not be limited to words; the international community should not merely watch the collapse of women's human rights in Afghanistan."

Zan News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in suspected measles cases and related deaths in Afghanistan. Image: Sayed Khodaiberdi Sadat/Anadolu Agency Alarming Increase in Measles Cases Among Women and Children in Afghanistan July 25, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in suspected measles cases and related deaths in Afghanistan. According to the organization's report, over 39,000 suspected measles cases and 170 measles-related deaths have been recorded in Afghanistan from the beginning of this year until July 20. The report, published today Thursday (July 25), indicates that most of the measles cases are among children under five years old and women. WHO stated that suspected measles cases have been increasing since the beginning of the year, showing a significant rise compared to 2023 and the average of the two preceding years. The provinces of Khost, Balkh, Samangan, and Jawzjan have the highest numbers of suspected measles cases in Afghanistan. To combat the disease, WHO has implemented measures such as training vaccination teams, distributing measles management kits, and conducting vaccination campaigns. The Taliban's Ministry of Public Health has not yet reacted to this WHO report. Previously, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also expressed concern over the rising measles cases in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for more serious preventive measures. MSF stated that children are more vulnerable to this disease because in Afghanistan, children do not receive their first dose of the measles vaccine until they are nine months old. MSF recommended: "To reduce future outbreaks and mortality among infants, MSF suggests administering the first dose of the measles vaccine at six months and continuously striving to vaccinate all children in Afghanistan against this disease." It is worth noting that the increase in measles cases in Afghanistan comes as WHO recorded around 25,000 suspected measles cases and 64 related deaths in Afghanistan throughout in the twelfth month of 2023.

Zan News: The body of a five-year-old girl named Halina has been found in Rabat-e-Sangi district of Herat province; the child had gone missing several days earlier. Photo: Pixabay Body of Five-Year-Old Girl Found in Rabat-e-Sangi District of Herat April 16, 2025 Zan News: The body of a five-year-old girl named Halina has been found in Rabat-e-Sangi district of Herat province; the child had gone missing several days earlier. Local sources say the child’s body was discovered on Tuesday, April 15, in the village of Baqarchar within the district. The Taliban police command in Rabat-e-Sangi confirmed the incident, stating that during the transfer of the body, one woman and one man were arrested. According to the Taliban’s statement, a total of three members of a family—two women and one man—have been arrested in connection with the murder. So far, the motive behind the killing has not been determined, and Taliban officials have not provided further details. This comes amid numerous reports of women and children being killed in various parts of Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power—despite the group repeatedly claiming to have established “nationwide security.”

Zan News: Following over three years of depriving girls of education in Afghanistan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has stated that education is a non-negotiable right. Photo: UNESCO/Navid Rahi UNESCO: Education is a Non-negotiable Right March 8, 2025 Zan News Zan News: Following over three years of depriving girls of education in Afghanistan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has stated that education is a non-negotiable right. On Saturday (March 8), coinciding with International Women’s Day, the organization reported that currently, 1.5 million girls in Afghanistan are deprived of secondary education. UNESCO warned that if these restrictions continue until 2030, four million girls will be denied access to education. It is noteworthy that UNESCO held a meeting in Paris yesterday focused on the situation of Afghan women, and a larger conference in support of the rights of Afghan women and girls is expected to be held soon. Since their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have deprived girls of attending schools and universities, a move that has sparked widespread criticism from international organizations.

Zan News: The Window of Hope Women's Movement has issued a statement strongly criticizing Iran's "anti-migrant" policies against Afghan migrants and calling for an immediate halt to such behaviors. Sent to Zan TV Window of Hope Women's Movement: Iran Must End Harassment of Afghan Migrants July 30, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The Window of Hope Women's Movement has issued a statement strongly criticizing Iran's "anti-migrant" policies against Afghan migrants and calling for an immediate halt to such behaviors. In the statement released today, Tuesday (30 July), it reads: "Three years have passed since the country was handed over to the terrorist group Taliban. During this period, several million of our compatriots have been forced to become refugees and migrants. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this migration has been to neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan, and our compatriots have always faced numerous challenges and problems." The statement, pointing to Iran's support for the Taliban, accuses the Iranian government of violating human rights and harassing Afghan migrants. The statement continues: "Iran, on the one hand, is the primary supporter of the destroyers of our people, the terrorist group Taliban, and on the other hand, contrary to human rights principles, engages in the harassment, torture, inhumane treatment, detention, and widespread forced deportation of migrants." The Window of Hope Women's Movement further calls for an immediate end to Iran's "anti-migrant" policies, cessation of support for the Taliban, and prevention of harassment of Afghan migrants. The movement also urges the people of Iran to welcome Afghan migrants with humanity. In conclusion, the statement calls on the United Nations and migrant-receiving countries to take practical steps to save the lives of Afghan migrants, especially women and children.

Zan News: On the second day of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, held on Sunday (January 12) in Islamabad, Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, referred to the situation of education for girls in Afghanistan, stating: "The Taliban, by depriving girls and women of education, have created a system of gender apartheid in Afghanistan." Photo: X/MWLorg Meeting on Girls' Education in Islamic Societies; "Anyone Who Opposes Girls' Education is Outside Islam" January 13, 2025 Zan News Zan News: On the second day of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, held on Sunday (January 12) in Islamabad, Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, referred to the situation of education for girls in Afghanistan, stating: "The Taliban, by depriving girls and women of education, have created a system of gender apartheid in Afghanistan." She added that the Taliban’s mission is to remove women and girls from all aspects of life, and this situation is leading to the destruction of an entire generation of girls in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Yousafzai further emphasized that Muslim scholars must prevent the systematic exclusion of women and girls from various fields of life in Afghanistan and stressed that the Taliban justify their "crimes" against women with religious and cultural excuses. She remarked that the Taliban’s actions show that this group does not consider women to be human beings, and called on Islamic countries not to grant legitimacy to the Taliban. In this regard, Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, described the educational restrictions for girls as the "most important challenge of the current era in the Islamic world" and thanked the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for addressing this issue. He emphasized that deeply rooted social traditions exacerbate the main problem of educational restrictions for girls. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, also stated during the meeting: "Islam has never prohibited girls from education, and anyone who opposes this is outside Islam." He added that opposition to girls' education not only has no religious basis but also goes against Islamic principles. He emphasized that Muslim women have had active participation in all areas, including religious, political, and economic matters, throughout the history of Islam. He also noted: "We reject the religious considerations of some who use the name of Islam to prevent girls from education." These remarks come at a time when, over the past three years, the Taliban have closed schools above grade six and universities to girls and women. These actions have sparked widespread reactions both globally and nationally, with many international organizations and governments calling for an end to these restrictions. The OIC meeting titled "Girls’ Education in Islamic Societies" was held on January 11 and 12 in Islamabad, with over 20 foreign ministers from Islamic countries, Islamic scholars, and international organizations participating in the event.

Zan News: International media have reported that Thailand's parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a 37-year-old woman, as the country's youngest prime minister. Photo: AP A Young Woman Elected as Prime Minister of Thailand August 17, 2024 Zan News Zan News: International media have reported that Thailand's parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a 37-year-old woman, as the country's youngest prime minister. According to Reuters, on Friday (August 16), this election took place just two days after the removal of Thailand's former Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire and influential Thai politician, has become the second woman in the country's history to assume the position of prime minister. However, Reuters noted that Shinawatra has no prior government experience. This appointment comes at a time when Thailand is facing serious economic challenges.