European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that the EU is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan.
In a speech at the European Parliament, in response to the recent restrictions against women in Afghanistan, she expressed deep concerns over women being prevented from going to work and going to public spaces in Afghanistan.
She criticized the Islamic Emirate for not upholding its promises, adding that that loss of the achievements of recent years, especially women’s achievements, is worrying.
“The EU parliament is committed with the people of Afghanistan not to its rulers, the Taliban want to women to be invisible we want them to thrive and until they can regain the rightful place in society, we will continue to amplify their voice,” said Roberta Metsola, EU Parliament President.
“With the closure of schools, centers and sports places, many problems have been created for women. The paths to the progress of the country are blocked one by one, and we want the places dedicated to women, to be reopened,” said Mohdiya Mohammadi, an activist.
Meanwhile, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in an interview said that they are trying to convince the Taliban through political and diplomatic ways to respect human rights, especially women’s rights in Afghanistan.
“The only thing we have at the moment is political and diplomatic persuasion, but currently, it is unclear where this will lead, We clearly say ‘no relationship with the Taliban’, but we are continuing to support the people of Afghanistan, with €400 million since the fall of Kabul,” said Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
“When they don’t have the right to work, the right to get an education, the right to study in their own society, and when they can’t freely live and deal with social and daily affairs, then they will be definitely forced to leave their country,” said Maryam Naybi, human rights activist.
The spokesman for the Islamic Emirate said that based on Islamic Sharia, women will access work opportunities where they are needed.
“Women are busy in some sectors where Islamic Sharia allows them, and their rule will be strengthened,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesman of Islamic Emirate.
This comes as respect for human rights is one of the many conditions that the international community set before it would officially recognize the Islamic Emirate.
