Global Leaders Defend Afghanistan Women’s Rights

A country’s future is only as strong as the rights of its people. In Afghanistan, those rights are vanishing for women and girls under Taliban rule. On February 11, 2025, Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly led a global meeting of women foreign ministers to condemn the Taliban’s systemic human rights violations. They issued a strong statement urging immediate action to restore Afghan women’s rights to education, healthcare, and public participation.

The Dire State of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, Afghanistan has become the most oppressive country for women. Strict edicts have stripped them of basic freedoms, barring them from schools, workplaces, and even public spaces. The latest decree in December 2024 banning medical training for women could have devastating consequences for healthcare in the country.

Full Statement by the following Countries

Andorra, Australia, Colombia, Ecuador, European Union, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Jamaica, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Mongolia, Slovenia, and Sweden, as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

“Today, women foreign ministers from around the world convened to discuss and reaffirm their deep concerns about the ongoing and systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban de facto authorities, particularly those affecting women and girls.

“Since our landmark meeting in Toronto on September 19-20, 2024, co-hosted by Canada and Jamaica, the Taliban have further eroded respect for the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. With each edict, the Taliban restrict even further women’s and girls’ access to fundamental aspects of public life, such as education, healthcare, employment, and participation in society. Afghanistan is the most oppressive country in the world for women, a dark reality that we cannot ignore.

“We condemn the Taliban’s edict of December 2024 banning medical training for women and girls, including in fields critical to the health of women and children such as nursing and midwifery. Afghan women health professionals play a vital role in ensuring that women receive adequate antenatal and maternal care, that children receive vaccinations, and that communities have access to essential health services. If not reversed, Afghanistan will lose a generation of women health professionals, in a society where cultural norms often require women to be treated exclusively by other women. This severely jeopardizes the health and well-being of Afghan women and children in a country already facing one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally.

“Moreover, the Taliban’s systematic exclusion of girls from school—including by barring education for girls above sixth grade—deprives millions of women and girls of their right to education. Afghanistan is, and remains, the only country in the world where women and girls cannot attend secondary school nor obtain higher education. This represents a personal tragedy for each Afghan girl and serves as a collective blow to Afghanistan’s long-term development, economic growth and prosperity, and general stability.

“We denounce and call for the repeal of the Taliban’s so called “Morality Laws”, which have exacerbated existing restrictions for Afghan women and girls. These decrees aim literally to silence Afghan women and girls and confine them to their homes. There is no viable future—no long-term peace, prosperity, or legitimacy—for any state that seeks to effectively erase women from public life. We therefore welcome the reports, resolutions and discussions within the context of the Human Rights Council on these decrees and their abridging effects on women’s and girls’ enjoyment of inalienable and inherent human rights in Afghanistan.

“We call on the Taliban de facto authorities to uphold and fulfill the international legal obligations of Afghanistan, including those enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This means lifting restrictive measures on women and girls—specifically with regards to the rights to freedom of movement, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion and belief, and education—and to restore women’s and girls’ right to participate meaningfully in all aspects of public life.

“On September 25, 2024, Canada, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands announced in a joint statement that they have taken formal steps to hold Afghanistan accountable under CEDAW. The initiative is now supported by 25 other countries.

“We also strongly support the independence and integrity of the International Criminal Court and its essential role in the fight against impunity.

“We know that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is only attainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, can fully participate in and contribute to the country’s future. This includes discussions and decisions happening within the country, but also on the international stage. Thus, we encourage all countries to advocate for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of Afghan women in discussions on Afghanistan’s future, including in the U.N.-facilitated Doha process. We also call on the Taliban to facilitate an inclusive and representative political process that reflects Afghanistan’s diversity.

“Afghan women have demonstrated time and time again that they will not give up the fight in claiming their rights, despite violent repression by the Taliban. They’ve shown incredible courage, and we must not give up on them. We will continue to amplify and support the critical work of human rights defenders and civil society leaders whose resilience and courage inspire all of us.”

Violations Against Afghan Women

• Education: Girls above sixth grade are banned from attending school. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world enforcing such a restriction.
• Healthcare: Women are prohibited from pursuing medical training, leading to a critical shortage of female healthcare workers.
• Public Life: Strict morality laws confine women to their homes, silencing their voices and restricting their mobility.
• Legal Rights: The Taliban’s rule disregards international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

A Global Call to Action

Women foreign ministers from 18 countries, including Canada, Germany, Australia, and Sweden, reaffirmed their commitment to defending Afghan women’s rights. Their statement highlights the urgent need for diplomatic pressure and international accountability.

Proposed Measures by Global Leaders

• Demanding Repeal of Restrictions: Urging the Taliban to reverse bans on education, employment, and healthcare.
• International Accountability: Holding Afghanistan accountable under CEDAW and supporting the International Criminal Court’s role in addressing human rights violations.
• Advocating Inclusion: Ensuring Afghan women’s participation in international discussions, including the UN-led Doha process.

The Cost of Exclusion: A Troubling Future

When women are excluded, societies suffer. Afghanistan’s economy has plummeted under the Taliban’s restrictions. Limiting education and employment opportunities for half the population stifles progress and exacerbates poverty.

Canada’s Role in Defending Human Rights

Canada remains at the forefront of advocating for Afghan women. In September 2024, Canada, along with Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands, initiated formal steps to hold Afghanistan accountable under CEDAW. The initiative has now gained support from 25 nations.

What Comes Next?

• Diplomatic Sanctions: Countries may impose further restrictions on Taliban leadership.
• Humanitarian Aid: Support for Afghan women’s organizations operating in exile.
• Public Advocacy: Continued global pressure to highlight human rights violations.

Final Thoughts

Afghan women have shown immense courage in resisting oppression. As global leaders push for their rights, the international community must continue to amplify their voices. The fight for justice in Afghanistan is far from over, but with persistent global advocacy, change remains possible.

Sources: Global Affairs Canada.