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Sent to Zan TV The Lantern of Freedom Movement of Afghanistan Women has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Kubra Rezai, a 26-year-old Afghan migrant woman in Tehran, describing it as “a painful symbol of structural and systematic violence against migrant women.” In a protest gathering and a statement published on Tuesday (11 June), the movement said that the murder of Kubra Rezai reflects the bitter situation of women who fled the Taliban’s threats and deprivation only to face violence, discrimination, and injustice in neighboring countries. The statement said, “Kubra Rezai was one of the thousands of Afghan women who took refuge in Iran to escape the Taliban’s threats, poverty, and deprivation, but there too became a victim of the same violence and injustice she had fled from.” The Lantern of Freedom Movement further emphasized that the murder of Shaqayeq reflects the defenselessness of migrant women in Iran and the lack of legal, security, and humanitarian protections for them. In its statement, the movement called for an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation into this case and emphasized that the perpetrators must be sentenced to the maximum legal punishment without any immunity. It also called on international institutions including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to pressure the Iranian government to guarantee the safety, dignity, and human rights of Afghan migrants, especially women. This comes after the human rights organization Hengaw had earlier reported the discovery of the mutilated body of a 26-year-old Afghan woman named Kubra Rezai, known as “Shaqayeq,” on 3 June in Tehran, the capital of Iran. According to the organization, Kubra had disappeared about 50 days earlier while on her way to work, and her body was found among garbage. Her identity was confirmed through DNA testing, but parts of her body, her phone, and documents are still missing. Hengaw also reported that Iranian security authorities had refrained from providing transparent information to the victim’s family and only gave a general update about the arrest of two suspects. According to the organization, on 7 June, Iranian security forces prevented the funeral ceremony for the victim. Meanwhile, the state-run IRNA news agency also confirmed the arrest of one suspect but refrained from disclosing any details about the identity of the victim. The motive for the murder is still unknown.

Social Media In a move to strengthen and expand support for Afghan children and women, the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs of Iran and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed a memorandum of cooperation. According to Iranian media reports, this memorandum was signed on Tuesday (10 June) between Nader YarAhmadi, the head of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs of Iran, and Monika Oledzka-Nielsen, UNICEF's acting representative in Iran. The aim of this initiative is to improve the living conditions and provide better opportunities for vulnerable Afghan women and children. Nader YarAhmadi, expressing concern over the difficult situation of Afghan refugees, especially children, stated that supporting this group requires special attention and practical measures. He emphasized, "I hope both sides will work with a special focus on addressing the issues related to children and women." He added, "In my direct meetings with refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons, the condition of the children has greatly concerned me. We are trying to use our national capacities to manage this issue, although we may not be able to cover everyone." YarAhmadi, referring to the large number of Afghan families, highlighted the need for special support for mothers and stated that they have endured many hardships in raising their children. Meanwhile, the acting representative of UNICEF in Iran also thanked the Iranian government for its cooperation and described the signing of this memorandum as an effective step in strengthening humanitarian efforts and inclusive support programs for migrants. This comes as in recent years, especially after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, thousands of Afghan citizens have sought refuge in Iran due to security threats and difficult economic conditions. However, Afghan migrants in Iran have consistently complained of discriminatory treatment and harsh living conditions.

Photo: wikipedia In one of the recent shocking incidents, a young woman in Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province was hanged by her husband on the second night of Eid al-Adha. This woman, who had recently been released from a Taliban prison, faced domestic violence and ultimately death after returning to her home and family. According to confirmed information from local sources, the woman was arrested and imprisoned by the Taliban a year ago on charges of “illicit relations.” After completing her sentence, she returned home, but her husband, the father of her three children, ended her life with a noose on the second night of Eid al-Adha. It is worth noting that since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, they have imposed strict laws on women, which have led to an increase in domestic violence. These laws, especially in rural areas, are often enforced by male family members in an extreme manner. Just a few weeks ago, in Batikot district of Nangarhar, a man brutally murdered his wife. Despite the growing number of similar incidents, the lack of legal prosecution and the weakness of judicial institutions have intensified the cycle of violence against women. Women’s rights activists warn that the repressive environment, the absence of protective laws, and structural discrimination place women at risk of threats, humiliation, and murder even after being released from prison. They stress that such incidents are only a small part of the violence that is daily imposed on Afghan women in complete silence and helplessness.

Sent to Zan TV The Afghanistan Women’s Movement in Exile, in a statement, has strongly condemned the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, the uncertainty of thousands of Afghan asylum seekers in U.S. resettlement programs, and the silence of the international community, calling it a “clear disregard for the fundamental principles of human rights.” In the statement issued by the movement, it is said that the announcement of “inhumane” deadlines and the humiliating treatment of migrants, especially women, children, the elderly, and the sick, reflects a lack of respect for human dignity and a violation of international commitments. The Afghanistan Women’s Movement in Exile has warned that thousands of Afghan men and women who, in recent years, were under U.S. and allied resettlement programs, are now facing the threat of forced return at a time when no security, freedom, or future remains for them in Afghanistan. The statement stressed: “Afghanistan under Taliban rule is not our homeland, but a prison full of horror, repression, and discrimination. Sending us back there is a silent death sentence.” The Afghanistan Women’s Movement in Exile has called on the United Nations, governments, and human rights institutions to take immediate measures to prevent a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe and to not remain silent in the face of deportation policies and neglect of Afghan asylum seekers.

Image: AFP The Taliban’s Supreme Court has announced that a woman was publicly flogged in Parwan province on charges of "extramarital relations." According to a statement released by the court on Tuesday (3 June), the woman received 39 lashes in public. It is worth noting that a day earlier, the Taliban court also flogged two individuals, including a woman, in Alishang district of Laghman province. They were sentenced to 30 lashes and six months in prison each for "running away from home and helping escape." These incidents come amid a renewed wave of public punishments carried out by the Taliban in recent days. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has responded to the rise in such public punishments, has stated that this group must not be normalized. According to him, the Taliban publicly flogged 63 men and 4 women just last week. Human rights organizations have consistently condemned these actions by the Taliban as violations of human rights and breaches of fair trial standards. However, the Taliban continue to insist on carrying out such punishments, claiming they are “in accordance with Islamic Sharia.”

Image: Ryan Brown/Photo of Khalida Popal and the book cover "My Beautiful Sisters" Khalida Popal, the Enduring Voice of Afghan Women in the World of Books On a glorious night in London, where the voices of sports and literature intertwined, Khalida Popal, former player of the Afghanistan national women's football team, achieved a great honor for Afghan women and the global community. With her influential book titled My Beautiful Sisters, she won the award for Best Sports Book of the Year 2025. This work also received the "Vikki Orvice" award for women's sports writing; an honor not only for the author, but for all the women who have fought in silence. The book My Beautiful Sisters is more than a personal narrative; it is a testament of resistance, faith, and the victory of the Afghan woman against discrimination, violence, and imposed silence. Khalida Popal, who was once the captain of the Afghanistan national women's football team, is now a global voice in defense of women's rights; and this book is the story of her journey from the grassy field to the world stage, where hope rises alongside honesty. Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has said about this book: “An inspiring and very important work; a voice for the women who were not heard.” At the official ceremony for the introduction of the best sports books of the year, held in London, Khalida stood among the prominent global figures of sports and media and brought pride. Alongside her, notable names such as Sir Chris Hoy with his autobiography All That Matters and Johnny Sexton with the book Obsession were also honored. But what made Khalida stand out was not only the power of her writing, but the depth of an experience that had risen from displacement, censorship, and resistance. In her speech at the ceremony, Khalida said: “This award does not belong only to me. This is dedicated to all Afghan girls who, despite the silence, never gave up hope.” The book My Beautiful Sisters is not only a record of a life full of ups and downs, but also a mirror of thousands of Afghan girls who are still fighting in the dark. This work shows that even on the days when everything collapses, the voice of a woman can change history. At this ceremony, Rudi Bloomfield, a veteran in publishing sports books, was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The program, supported by the brand “Charles Tyrwhitt” and attended by guests such as Danny Care, Steph Houghton, Guillem Balague, and other prominent figures, was a stage for honoring the voices of women who carved their path through the masses of stone and silence. Khalida Popal is now not only a team captain on the field, but a hero in the global arena of the fight for justice and honesty, and her book is a flag raised on a peak that has been climbed with tears, blood, and hope.

Photo: Reuters The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that nearly 450 people lost their lives in last year’s floods in Afghanistan, including 10 children. According to a report published by the organization on Monday (2 June), more than 70,000 houses were destroyed or damaged as a result of the floods. UNICEF stated that in collaboration with the European Union, the reconstruction of 336 school buildings in the affected areas has begun. According to the organization, once this project is completed, more than 300,000 children will regain access to education. The report also states that more than 5,000 teachers will be trained as part of this program. This comes as a number of schools in various provinces, especially in Baghlan, were completely destroyed in last year’s floods.

Photo: Ariana Sayeed / Instagram (@aryanasayeed) Aryana Sayeed, the renowned singer and women's rights advocate from Afghanistan, received two prestigious awards at the latest edition of the international music festival "Daf Bama," held in Germany. This festival, which took place in the city of Oberhausen with the participation of artists from various countries, honored Ms. Sayeed for her humanitarian and artistic contributions by presenting her with two awards: one for "Best Afghan Artist" and another, the special "Daf Bama Humanitarian Award." After receiving the awards, Aryana Sayeed dedicated them to the women of Afghanistan and stressed in her speech that the voices of Afghan women would not be silenced under pressure. She said, "The Taliban cannot silence the women of Afghanistan," and called on the international community not to remain indifferent to the deprivation of Afghan women's rights. It is worth noting that the "Daf Bama" Festival is considered one of the most prestigious multicultural music events in Europe, recognizing artists who, in addition to their artistic achievements, have made significant contributions to human rights and social causes. Ms. Sayeed also expressed her joy over receiving the awards on her Instagram page, writing: "Receiving the Best Afghan Artist and Daf Bama Humanity Awards is an honor I will cherish for years to come."

Photo: Omid Fazel / The Telegraph The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that four million children in Afghanistan are deprived of attending school due to the lack of proper educational facilities. According to the agency’s latest report published on Monday (2 June), the absence of standard school buildings, a shortage of clean drinking water, and a lack of teachers, especially female teachers, are among the major challenges affecting children's education. The UNICEF report also states that economic poverty is a significant factor behind school dropouts among children. Many children are forced to work in markets to support their family’s income, abandoning their education. The organization emphasized that it is working to improve girls’ access to education by focusing more on the recruitment of female teachers, as families in many areas prefer their daughters to be taught by women. This comes as the Taliban, after regaining power in Afghanistan, have banned girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. According to UNICEF, more than two million girls are deprived of education in 2025.

Social Media The Taliban’s Supreme Court has announced that four individuals, including a woman, were publicly flogged in Faryab province. According to a statement released by the court on Saturday (31 May), these individuals were accused of “extortion” and “fraud” and received between 30 to 35 lashes in public. The statement adds that two of the accused were also sentenced to seven and six years in prison respectively, while the other two received five-year prison terms. This comes as public punishments by the Taliban have intensified again in recent days, a trend that has consistently sparked widespread domestic and international reactions. Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned these actions as violations of human rights and contrary to the principles of fair trial. However, the Taliban continue to insist on carrying out these punishments, which they claim are “in accordance with Islamic Sharia.”