Zan News: The Independent Coalition of Women’s Protest Movements in Afghanistan, on Monday (December 2), held a protest event and issued a statement, declaring that silence in the face of violence against women symbolizes the weakness of justice structures and stressing the need to break this silence. Sent to Zan News Coalition of Women’s Protest Movements Call for Practical Measures to End Violence Against Women December 3, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The Independent Coalition of Women’s Protest Movements in Afghanistan, on Monday (December 2), held a protest event and issued a statement, declaring that silence in the face of violence against women symbolizes the weakness of justice structures and stressing the need to break this silence. In its statement, the coalition emphasized that violence against women is not merely an individual issue but a result of deep inequalities, societal silence, and the weakness of justice structures. Under the slogan "Enough," they demanded transparent and unbiased enforcement of laws protecting women’s rights, ensuring security, and ending policies and practices that justify or perpetuate violence against women. The statement reads: "Victims of violence have the right to see justice in practice, not just in words." The statement also highlighted that providing a safe environment for women—whether at home, on the streets, or in the workplace—is the responsibility of all human rights organizations, particularly the United Nations. The coalition added: "Women have the right to live without fear of violence and harassment." The coalition called on international organizations and courts to take practical steps to end the deprivation of women’s rights under Taliban rule. This comes as the International Criminal Court recently announced that it is reviewing cases of women’s rights violations by the Taliban and will soon release its findings. It is worth mentioning that since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, women’s rights have been severely violated, and they have been barred from education, work, and participation in social activities.

Zan News: Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry of Interior, described human rights as a "rubbish and shameful slogan." Taliban Ministry of Interior Spokesman: Human Rights is a Rubbish and Shameful Slogan August 31, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry of Interior, described human rights as a "rubbish and shameful slogan." Qani made these remarks on Friday (August 30) in a message on his X (formerly Twitter) account, marking the anniversary of the withdrawal of the last U.S. soldier from Afghanistan. He called human rights a tool to deceive Muslims, stating, "Muslims should not be fooled by all these disgusting and shameful slogans like human rights and others. We experienced these slogans in Afghanistan and some Islamic and non-Islamic countries, and we now see them in Gaza. So, take a lesson, unite, and fight against them." He also claimed that the Taliban have ensured nationwide security across the country. These statements come as the Taliban have been accused of systematically violating the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, particularly women and girls, over the past three years. UN experts have recently described the Taliban's new law on the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice as a 'serious setback' for human rights in Afghanistan.

Zan News: Raffaella Iodice, the former European Union Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan, passed away yesterday. The EU Delegation for Afghanistan expressed sorrow over her death in a post on their X, stating: “She was a true friend of Afghanistan, an advocate for women and girls, and a beloved colleague to many.” Photo: EUinAfghanistan Passing of Raffaella Iodice, Former EU Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan December 30, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Raffaella Iodice, the former European Union Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan, passed away yesterday. The EU Delegation for Afghanistan expressed sorrow over her death in a post on their X, stating: “She was a true friend of Afghanistan, an advocate for women and girls, and a beloved colleague to many.” Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also shared a separate message on X on Sunday (December 29), saying: “Iodice’s exceptional commitment to the rights and dignity of Afghan women in the European Commission was both inspiring and enduring.” He added that her tireless efforts in Afghanistan had transformed countless lives and amplified the voices of those who had previously been overlooked. UN Women also reacted to her passing, describing Iodice as “a supporter for Afghan women and girls.” In a post on X, they wrote: “Her unwavering dedication to the people and future of Afghanistan was an inspiration to all. Her legacy will continue to light the path toward progress.” The cause of Raffaella Iodice’s death remains unclear, and the European Union has not provided further details. It is worth noting that Raffaella Iodice served as the EU Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan for one year and stepped down from her position approximately two months ago.

Zan News: On the eve of the third anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Women’s History Transformation Movement has issued a resolution titled "Global Protests August 15, 2024," calling for serious international action against the group. Sent to Zan News The Afghanistan Women’s History Transformation Movement: The UN Must Recognize Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan August 12, 2024 Zan News Zan News: On the eve of the third anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Women’s History Transformation Movement has issued a resolution titled "Global Protests August 15, 2024," calling for serious international action against the group. In this resolution, a number of academics, exiles, protesting women, and activists from Afghanistan and around the world have labeled the Taliban as a "terrorist, ideological, and totalitarian group" and condemned its rule as a "regime based on gender apartheid." The resolution emphasizes that the United Nations should recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan and calls for human rights organizations to review existing documentation of Taliban crimes and take action. Requests have also been made to cut financial support to the Taliban, impose international sanctions, and halt interactions with the Taliban's supporters. The Afghanistan Women’s History Transformation Movement is calling for the initiation of transitional justice, the prosecution of war criminals, and the establishment of a transitional democratic and people-oriented government in Afghanistan. It invites people worldwide and progressive movements to participate in the August 15 global protests and contribute to achieving justice for Afghanistan.

Zan News: Following the referral of the Taliban's case to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the court, announced that a verdict will soon be issued regarding the case of women's rights violations committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Photo: ICC-CPI ICC Chief Prosecutor: A Verdict on the Taliban Case Will Be Issued Soon December 3, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Following the referral of the Taliban's case to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the court, announced that a verdict will soon be issued regarding the case of women's rights violations committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Karim Khan made these statements on Monday (December 2) during the 23rd session of the member states of the International Court in The Hague. He added that a dedicated team has been assigned and is conducting comprehensive investigations into this case. The chief prosecutor emphasized, "After thorough review of this case, we will soon announce requests for issuing a ruling." Karim Khan did not provide further details about the case involving the Taliban's crimes in Afghanistan during this session. It is worth mentioning that last week, the countries of Chile, Spain, France, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, and Mexico referred the case of human rights violations, particularly women's and girls' rights, to the International Criminal Court. These six countries have requested the court to investigate the crimes committed by the Taliban after their return to power in Afghanistan.

Zan News: Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Political Minister of the Taliban's Foreign Affairs Ministry, has delivered a speech criticizing the Taliban's policies toward women and girls, which has drawn significant attention in international media. Social Media Reactions to Abbas Stanikzai's Recent Criticism of Taliban Policies on Women January 20, 2025 Zan News Zan News: Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Political Minister of the Taliban's Foreign Affairs Ministry, has delivered a speech criticizing the Taliban's policies toward women and girls, which has drawn significant attention in international media. On Saturday (January 18), during a graduation ceremony for students of a religious school in Khost province, Stanikzai strongly condemned the Taliban's decision to close schools and universities to girls, deeming the policy to lack any basis in Islamic law. According to Stanikzai, these prohibitions are merely the personal views of Mullah Hibatullah, the Taliban's leader, and contradict Islamic principles. Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghanistan, described Stanikzai's remarks as an encouraging development and welcomed the statements. He emphasized that this issue could be a positive development. Reuters called Stanikzai's comments one of the harshest public criticisms of the Taliban’s policies, which have contributed to the group's international isolation. Similarly, CNN labeled it as a "rare public criticism of the Taliban leader's policies." Ibraheem Bahiss, a South Asia analyst at the Crisis Group, noted that this speech went beyond Stanikzai’s previous criticisms, stating that he openly called for changes in Taliban policies and questioned the legitimacy of the current approach. In his speech, Stanikzai urged the Taliban leadership to reopen schools and universities for girls, emphasizing that "there has never been, and still is no, justification or reason for this." He also labeled the restrictions on women as "contrary to Islamic law," candidly stating that these measures stem from the "nature" of the Taliban rather than Islamic principles. Stanikzai further highlighted the dire conditions faced by women in Afghanistan, denouncing the injustice and oppression against them. He remarked, "Out of Afghanistan's 40 million population, we are being unjust to 20 million [women]. Will we not be held accountable to them on the Day of Judgment?" He also addressed global criticism of the Taliban’s policies, noting that "the entire world is in conflict with us and criticizing us because of this. We are on a path dictated by our nature, not by Islamic law." It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time Abbas Stanikzai has criticized the Taliban’s ban on girls' education. He has previously voiced objections on this matter. Meanwhile, the Taliban have closed girls' schools above the sixth grade and banned girls and women from attending universities. They have also prohibited women from working in government institutions and non-governmental organizations, imposing unprecedented and extensive restrictions on women. According to Taliban orders, women are not allowed to engage in sports or visit recreational areas and parks. Additionally, the Taliban consider women's voices as "awrah" (something to be concealed) and have deemed them forbidden.

Zan News: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that from January to October 2024, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Population, Refugees, and Migration, it has provided vital assistance to over 3.5 million pregnant and new mothers in Afghanistan. Photo: UNFPA UNFPA's Vital Assistance to Over 3.5 Million Pregnant and New Mothers in Afghanistan November 17, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that from January to October 2024, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Population, Refugees, and Migration, it has provided vital assistance to over 3.5 million pregnant and new mothers in Afghanistan. In a post on X today Sunday (17 November), the UNFPA highlighted that pregnant women and new mothers in Afghanistan face increased risks and vulnerabilities due to the ongoing crisis. It should be noted that Afghanistan remains one of the countries with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization, every day in Afghanistan, 24 mothers and 167 newborns die from preventable causes. The WHO also recently reported that women and children bear the brunt of the severe consequences of the country's health crisis.

Zan News: According to a statement by the international charity CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), natural disasters in Afghanistan affect over 200,000 people annually. CAFOD: Floods in Afghanistan Have the Worst Impact on Women and Children May 26, 2024 Zan News Zan News: According to a statement by the international charity CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), natural disasters in Afghanistan affect over 200,000 people annually. The organization's statement indicates that recent floods have had the worst impact on women and children in Afghanistan. Women and children are more at risk of flooding due to their presence in homes. Referring to the deaths of around 500 people in recent floods in various parts of Afghanistan, the organization said that the northeastern provinces of the country have suffered the most and worst damage from these floods. Kitty Chevallier, Director of CAFOD, emphasized that the flood disaster in Afghanistan requires long-term efforts to reduce people's vulnerability to natural disasters. The organization also quoted aid agencies as saying that many areas in northern and western Afghanistan are facing severe food shortages. According to the organization, on the one hand, the destruction of agricultural land and on the other hand, the economic crisis have meant that families do not have money to buy food. The statement said that the organization, in collaboration with its partners, has so far provided immediate assistance, including financial assistance, temporary shelter, food and non-food items, access to drinking water and sanitation facilities, to three northeastern provinces of Afghanistan (Baghlan, Takhar and Badakhshan). According to the organization's statistics, between January and November of last year, around 344,000 people were affected by natural disasters and 25 Afghan cities were affected by disasters.

Zan News: Local sources in Nangarhar province report that a seven-year-old child in the province was first abducted by kidnappers and then murdered. Source: 8am/Exclusive A Child in Nangarhar Murdered After Being Abducted by Kidnappers December 10, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Local sources in Nangarhar province report that a seven-year-old child in the province was first abducted by kidnappers and then murdered. According to reports, the child was killed on Sunday (December 8) in the Bati Kot district. A local source stated that the child, the son of Ustad Mohammad Alam, a resident of Bati Kot district, was abducted by unidentified armed men and murdered with stab wounds. The Taliban have not yet commented on the incident. It is worth noting that a few months ago, kidnappers also abducted and murdered a four-year-old child named Mohammad Elias in the city of Jalalabad.

Zan News: Local sources in Badghis province have reported that an 18-year-old girl was killed by her brother for refusing to marry an older man. Photo: flickr Murder of an 18-Year-Old Girl in Badghis Due to Opposition to Forced Marriage October 30, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Local sources in Badghis province have reported that an 18-year-old girl was killed by her brother for refusing to marry an older man. According to sources, the incident occurred on Monday night (October 28) in the Jalai area of the Juwand district, where the girl was shot to death. So far, local Taliban officials in Badghis have not commented on this incident. This comes at a time when similar cases have been reported in various parts of Afghanistan. Just a few days ago, a 24-year-old girl in Herat was also murdered by her brother with a knife for the same reason.