EU Parliament to address Afghan law against women’s rights

On September 17, 2024, the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights will convene in Strasbourg to discuss the recent enactment of Afghanistan's Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. This law imposes severe restrictions on women's rights, including prohibiting them from singing, reciting poetry, or speaking aloud in public. Women are also mandated to cover their faces and bodies entirely, effectively silencing their voices and limiting their autonomy. The law represents a significant regression in women's rights under the Taliban's administration, which has been characterized by oppressive measures aimed at controlling women's behavior and movements. The new regulations not only restrict women's public presence but also classify the sound of a female voice outside the home as a moral violation. This creates an environment where women are rendered invisible and voiceless, undermining their fundamental rights. Prominent human rights advocates will participate in the Strasbourg gathering, including Mounir Satouri, Shukria Barakzai, Tahmina Salik, Parasto Yari, and Parwana Ibrahimkhail. These individuals are dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of women in Afghanistan and advocating for their rights. Their presence underscores the urgency of addressing the situation and mobilizing international support for Afghan women. The session aims to highlight the dire consequences of the new law and to galvanize action from the European Parliament and the international community. The discussion will focus on the need for solidarity and support for Afghan women, who continue to face systemic oppression and violence under the current regime.