Zan News: Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party candidate, acknowledged her defeat in the U.S. presidential election during a speech at Harvard University and emphasized the importance of accepting election results in a democratic system. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo Kamala Harris Concedes Defeat in the U.S. Presidential Election November 7, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party candidate, acknowledged her defeat in the U.S. presidential election during a speech at Harvard University and emphasized the importance of accepting election results in a democratic system. Speaking on Thursday morning (November 7), Harris stated: "A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. This principle distinguishes democracy from monarchy and despotism, and anyone seeking public trust must respect it." She added that she had spoken with Donald Trump, the winner of this election. Harris stressed that despite accepting defeat, she would continue her efforts to defend democracy, the rule of law, and justice. Addressing her supporters, Harris said: "Do not despair. This is not the time to throw up our hands (surrender). This is the time to roll up our sleeves. It is a time to organize, mobilize, and stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice; the future we all know we can build together." She went on to express her gratitude to her family, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, her running mate Tim Walz, her campaign staff, and all her supporters. Referring to the election outcome, Harris remarked: "The result of this election was not what we wanted, it was not what we fought for, it was not what we voted for; but as long as we do not surrender and keep fighting, the light of America will always shine." It is worth noting that Kamala Harris entered the presidential race as the main Democratic candidate after Joe Biden stepped down, securing 226 electoral votes but ultimately losing to Trump. Donald Trump, with 295 electoral votes, was officially declared the 47th President of the United States.

Zan News: Following a report from the United Nations regarding the "sexual assault" of imprisoned women by the Taliban, the Women's Movement for Peace and Freedom has called for the prosecution of this group. Reaction to the Taliban's Sexual Harassment of Imprisoned Women; The Taliban Must Be Prosecuted October 31, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Following a report from the United Nations regarding the "sexual assault" of imprisoned women by the Taliban, the Women's Movement for Peace and Freedom has called for the prosecution of this group. In a statement released on Wednesday (October 30), the movement expressed solidarity with the victimized women and stated that the Taliban's actions toward women constitute a crime against humanity and that this group must be held accountable. The statement reads: "Countries around the world and human rights-supporting organizations, including member states of the Security Council, must work toward establishing and implementing robust accountability mechanisms against the Taliban." The movement also called for support and solidarity with the victimized women. This comes as Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, reported on the sexual harassment of imprisoned women in Taliban detention facilities in his recent report. The report indicates that women have spoken out about the sexual harassment they faced from the Taliban in these facilities. So far, the Taliban have not responded to this report.

Zan News: Local Taliban officials in Herat province have announced the opening of a handicrafts and art exhibition on the occasion of Tourism Week in the province. Handicrafts and Art Exhibition Held in Herat with Women's Participation September 30, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Local Taliban officials in Herat province have announced the opening of a handicrafts and art exhibition on the occasion of Tourism Week in the province. The exhibition was held on Sunday (September 29) at the Ikhtiaruddin Castle in Herat and will continue for a week, divided into two sections (male and female). Supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the exhibition features participants from the provinces of Herat, Ghor, Farah, Badghis, and Nimroz, who have displayed their handicrafts in 100 booths. Of these, 50 booths are dedicated to women and the other 50 to men. Rahmatullah Mohammadi, the director of tourism at the Taliban's Information and Culture Department in Herat, said the aim of the exhibition is to attract domestic and foreign tourists and introduce artistic and handicraft products. This exhibition is being held with the participation of women even though the Taliban, after returning to power in Afghanistan, have imposed many restrictions, especially against women and girls.

Zan News - Balkh: The Taliban's security command in Balkh province has announced the arrest of a woman on suspicion of murdering her husband. Woman Arrested in Balkh Province on Suspicion of Murdering Her Husband May 29, 2024 Zan News Zan News - Balkh: The Taliban's security command in Balkh province has announced the arrest of a woman on suspicion of murdering her husband. According to Mohammad Isa Wothiq, the spokesperson for the Taliban's security command in Balkh, the woman killed her husband a week ago and buried his body under their house. Wothiq added that the woman was arrested on Tuesday morning (May 28th) along with her brother, who is accused of complicity in the murder, after the body was discovered. The spokesperson did not provide details about the manner or motive of the murder. Murder incidents have been on the rise in Afghanistan, especially in recent months. Two days ago, sources in Farah province reported that three members of a family were killed by unknown gunmen in the province's Golestan district.

Zan News: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated in a statement that the deprivation of girls above the sixth grade from schooling has entered its fourth year—a measure that deepens Afghanistan’s human, humanitarian, and economic crisis. Photo: AP UNAMA: Ban on Girls' Education in Afghanistan Deepens the Human Rights Crisis March 26, 2025 Zan News Zan News: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated in a statement that the deprivation of girls above the sixth grade from schooling has entered its fourth year—a measure that deepens Afghanistan’s human, humanitarian, and economic crisis. Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of UNAMA, emphasized in the statement, "The new academic year in Afghanistan has begun, yet once again classrooms face the obvious and harmful absence of girls; a situation that not only darkens the future of girls but also threatens the peace and prosperity of the Afghan people." Expressing concern over the continuation of this situation, Otunbayeva added, "I am deeply disappointed that Taliban officials continue to ignore the voices of the Afghan people—people who have endured decades of war and are now grappling with a humanitarian crisis. This ban restricts the prospect for the country's improvement and must be lifted." According to her, the continuation of this ban is one of the main factors behind Afghanistan's isolation in the international community and has halted the country's economic and political progress. The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative also called on the international community to continue its support for the people of Afghanistan and stated, "I urge global donors to continue their support for the people of Afghanistan, particularly in the field of education, wherever possible." According to statistics from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), so far 2.2 million girls have been deprived of their right to education—with 400,000 of them deprived of schooling just this year. Forecasts indicate that if this ban continues until 2030, the number of girls deprived of education will exceed four million. This comes as the new academic year in Afghanistan began this week, yet girls above the sixth grade remain deprived of schooling by the Taliban.

Zan News: The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO) has described the recent actions of the Pakistani government against Afghan refugees as a blatant violation of human rights and called for an immediate end to these illegal practices. Social Media Journalists Support Organization: Pakistan’s Actions Against Afghan Refugees Are a Clear Violation of Human Rights January 6, 2025 Zan News Zan News: The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO) has described the recent actions of the Pakistani government against Afghan refugees as a blatant violation of human rights and called for an immediate end to these illegal practices. In a statement issued on Monday (January 6), the organization stated that Afghan refugees, especially journalists, sought refuge in Pakistan for a safer life. However, Pakistan, under various pretexts, has been arresting, torturing, and harassing them. The organization emphasized that the mistreatment of refugees who fled to Pakistan out of fear of the Taliban is against human rights standards. The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization also urged the Pakistani government to cooperate with Afghan refugees given the current situation in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the organization called on the international community and host countries to expedite the review of refugee cases, especially those of journalists, and to address their problems in Iran and Pakistan. It is worth noting that following the Taliban's return to power, millions of Afghan citizens, including dozens of journalists and civil society activists, were forced to leave the country. Many of them are now living in dire conditions in Iran and Pakistan and facing numerous challenges.

Zan News: At the second major meeting of Afghan women held in Madrid, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its support for international efforts to hold the Taliban accountable. Spain MoF (Courtesy Photo) The Second Major Meeting of Afghan Women in Madrid: Spain Emphasizes to Accountability the Taliban December 14, 2024 Zan News Zan News: At the second major meeting of Afghan women held in Madrid, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its support for international efforts to hold the Taliban accountable. José Manuel Albares Bueno, Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated during the meeting on Friday (December 13), which was organized by the "Women for Afghanistan" organization and attended by dozens of Afghan women, including prominent political figures, women’s rights activists, and special representatives from various countries such as the U.S., Australia, and other Western nations, that Spain supports all international efforts to hold the Taliban accountable. In a statement, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Spain hosted the meeting in support of Afghan women and girls. According to the statement, more than 50 political figures and women’s rights activists from Afghanistan participated in the event. The Ministry also emphasized Spain’s commitment to ending impunity for human rights violators and efforts accountability for crimes committed in Afghanistan. Fawzia Koofi, a former Member of Parliament and head of the "Women for Afghanistan" organization, strongly criticized the situation of women under Taliban rule in her speech at the meeting. She stated, "The Taliban have spared no restriction on women and continue to expand their prohibitions daily. The Taliban have launched a full-scale war against women, the meaning of which remains unclear to many." Koofi also highlighted widespread human rights violations by the Taliban and said, "Under Taliban rule, not only are women’s rights catastrophic, but ethnic groups' rights are also visibly being violated." She emphasized the critical role of women in preserving democratic values and added, "Afghan women are at the forefront of safeguarding these values. They are not merely resisting; they are actively seeking change." She stressed that Afghan women, despite the harsh conditions, are not surrendering or complaining but are searching for practical solutions and aiming to take leadership roles. Koofi also called for practical action from the international community and said, "Any engagement with the Taliban must be based on women's rights. We are willing to engage in dialogue with the Taliban. They claim that women are unwilling to engage, but the truth is that it is the Taliban who refuse to establish communication." Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, pointed out the contradiction between the Taliban's words and actions regarding women’s rights. She stated, "During meetings with the Taliban, countries raise issues concerning women, but the Taliban merely take notes and then disregard them." Amiri also stressed the need to establish support mechanisms for Afghan women and called on regional countries to take a more active role in this regard. She noted that currently, there is no specific structure to support Afghan women, and the international community must take effective measures in this area. Amiri also urged Afghan women to respect each other and support one another despite differences in opinion. This comes as the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women and girls since taking power on August 15, 2021. Over the past three years, women and human rights activists have made extensive efforts to reclaim their lost rights and have called on the international community to recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan. It is worth mentioning that this meeting followed the first major meeting of Afghan women held in Albania in September.

Zan News: Local sources in Panjshir province have reported that a Taliban "Ranger" military vehicle ran over and killed a minor girl in the first district of the province. Photo: Mahdi Marizad / FARS Taliban Military Vehicle Runs Over and Kills a Minor Girl in Panjshir October 16, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Local sources in Panjshir province have reported that a Taliban "Ranger" military vehicle ran over and killed a minor girl in the first district of the province. According to sources, the incident occurred on Tuesday (October 15) in the "Safid Chehar" area of the Hesse Awal district on the public road in Panjshir. The sources say that the child, named Salima, and she had come to Safid Chehar from the Qala-e-Reza region with her family to attend a wedding ceremony. Family members of the child have confirmed the incident but have not provided further details. Local sources indicate that the cause of the incident was the high speed of the Taliban vehicle. It is noteworthy that similar incidents have occurred in various parts of Afghanistan in the past. Just a few days ago, a Taliban military vehicle ran over and killed a former general in the Khair Khana area of Kabul.

Zan News: After the International Olympic Committee announced the formation of a six-member team of Afghan athletes to participate in the Paris Olympics, the Taliban now state that they do not recognize the three female athletes included in this team. Taliban: We Do Not Recognize Three Afghan Female Athletes for the Paris Olympics July 9, 2024 Zan News Zan News: After the International Olympic Committee announced the formation of a six-member team of Afghan athletes to participate in the Paris Olympics, the Taliban now state that they do not recognize the three female athletes included in this team. Atal Mashwani, the spokesperson for the Taliban's Physical Education Directorate, said in an interview with AFP on Monday (July 8) that "currently, girls' sports are halted in Afghanistan, and they cannot participate in these competitions representing the country." He added that the Taliban only recognize three male representatives. Last month, the International Olympic Committee announced that Afghanistan would participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a gender-equal team consisting of three women and three men. Mark Adams, the spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee, criticized the Taliban's restrictions on female athletes during a press conference on June 13, stating that no officials from this group would be allowed to attend the competitions. According to the committee, the male athletes will compete in running, judo, and swimming, while the female athletes will compete in running and cycling. It is noteworthy that since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, they have imposed numerous restrictions on women. In addition to banning education, studying, and work, the Taliban have also prohibited women from going to sports stadiums and have dissolved all national sports teams that included women.

Zan News: Tomas Niklasson, the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, criticized the restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that they face “systemic and severe” gender discrimination and repression. EU Special Envoy: Afghan Women and Girls Face Systemic Gender Discrimination and Repression September 18, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Tomas Niklasson, the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, criticized the restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that they face “systemic and severe” gender discrimination and repression. Niklasson made these remarks yesterday, Tuesday (17 September), in his speech at the European Parliament, citing the new Taliban law on promoting virtue and preventing vice as an example of these restrictions. He said that the situation in Afghanistan remains dire. The EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan emphasized: “To alleviate this situation, the EU focuses on supporting the people of Afghanistan without legitimizing the Taliban, and through aid, the EU prioritizes support for women and girls.” Niklasson clarified that this aid is provided under strict supervision and with a “by women for women” approach, ensuring that women have a meaningful role in the aid process. The EU Special Envoy made these statements as the Taliban, after returning to power in Afghanistan, have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls in the country.