رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد, نویسنده در رسانه گوهرشاد

Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

12 months ago - 357 Visits

Destructive Limitations: The Majority of Mental Health Patients in Herat are Women

Health sources from the provincial hospital in Herat report that the number of individuals suffering from mental health issues in this province has increased, with the majority of patients being women and girls. At least two health sources mentioned that more than 50 mental health patients or individuals suffering from depression seek treatment at the Herat provincial hospital daily, with women and girls comprising most of these cases. The source indicated that the majority of the patients are young women and girls who suffer from existing restrictions and an increase in domestic violence. According to the source, women and girls visiting the provincial hospital complain about limitations, domestic violence, and harassment from people in public spaces. The source stated, "Most of the patients say that if these issues are not addressed, in the coming years, the number of individuals with mental health problems and depression in society, especially among women and girls, will multiply. When mental health issues and depression increase in society, controlling and treating them will require significant expenses." Additionally, some female students and women employees in Herat express that after schools and universities were closed and severe restrictions were imposed on women's employment, they have developed mental health issues and have even contemplated suicide. Psychological Pressure and Out-of-School Girls Razieh Sadeqi states that she and her classmates have developed depression and psychological problems due to the prolonged closure of schools. Razieh, 16 years old, was in the tenth grade when schools were closed, and three years later, they remain shut. With a lump in her throat, she said that her small shoulders cannot bear the heavy burden of being away from school and her classmates. Razieh and over a million other girls have been barred from school and university, many of whom have resorted to hard labor, forced marriages, and migration. Fatemeh, one of the students who endured seven years of hardship in medical studies to become a doctor and alleviate people's pain, now finds herself unable to help others due to her own illness. Instead of sitting in a doctor's chair, she now works behind a sewing machine. Now Instead of the Operating Room, She Finds Herself in Iran. Like many female students who faced forced migration after the fall of Afghanistan and the closure of universities. A Mother Who Lost Her Job Zubaida Rasooli, who was an employee at a non-governmental organization, lost her job due to the return of the caretaker government and restrictions on women's work. Zubaida, a mother of three children, says: "My daughter was in the sixth grade when schools were closed. Her father lost his job, and I was working at an organization, but after a while, I also lost my job. My husband was forced to migrate to Iran for work. My mental state deteriorated significantly, and I attempted suicide. Even a psychiatrist could not help me." Zubaida emphasized: "The future is uncertain. The weak family economy, poverty, and unemployment over the past three years have led me to severe mental illness and depression, and I even resort to tranquilizers." She added: "Unfortunately, the current living conditions in Afghanistan have caused depression, especially among women. When we visit clinics, one of the departments with the most patients is the mental health section." For three years, the caretaker government has closed schools for girls above the sixth grade. Simultaneously, all educational centers have been closed to girls and women, and women's work in governmental and non-governmental organizations has also been prohibited. Razieh, Fatemeh, and Zubaida, like thousands of Afghan girls and women, have been unable to fulfill their dreams. As they put it: "Being a woman in Afghan society was hard, but now it feels like nothing but punishment. Why else are we being so severely punished?" The right to education and employment is a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed by all individuals without any discrimination. This right has been emphasized in various human rights documents. Thus, gender inequality in education and employment is a clear violation of this right. It should be noted that since the announcement of the closure of universities for girls and the prohibition of women's work in domestic and international organizations, none of the officials in the caretaker government have been accountable regarding the reasons for or lifting the ban on girls' education and women's employment. Reporter: Yasin fathi

12 months ago - 648 Visits

A Life Story; Nagara Shahin from Afghanistan to the 2024 Paris Olympics

The story begins with a 30-minute karate class on the balcony of her home in Peshawar, Pakistan. At that time, Nagara Shahin was an 11-year-old Olympic refugee, having spent most of her short life in exile and migration. Nagara fled Afghanistan with her parents in 1993 when she was just a baby. Her mother carried her for two days and nights while crossing mountains and passes. To pursue her beloved sport, Nagara faced numerous obstacles, from her first and last karate class to competing in judo at the Olympics as a member of the Olympic Refugee Team. Since 2022, this 31-year-old athlete has been living and training in Toronto, Canada. Nagara Shahin completed her education in Pakistan, where she endured harassment from men and bullying from her peers on her way to school. In an article published in *Life Toronto*, she recalls: “One day, an older man harassed my sister and me. He shouted at me and pushed me to the ground. I wanted to hit him with my fist, but I didn’t know how to do it.” Her mother told her she needed to learn to defend herself. The school she attended did not offer martial arts training, either in the regular curriculum or extracurricular activities. Through distant relatives, Nagara learned about a karate instructor nearby. Although the male instructor couldn't teach at the school, he could come to her home. Soon enough, Nagara began practicing on her aunt's balcony. She says, “My mother said this space could be provided by family, and you should use it as much as you can.” Before long, Nagara Shahin participated in local karate competitions. Her coach recognized her enthusiasm and skill and encouraged her to compete in judo. “My first coach told me, ‘You won’t learn to get up until you fall.’ This advice motivated me greatly during my childhood.” She also fondly remembers watching professional wrestling matches in America with her father, who was a wrestling enthusiast. Judo gave Nagara Shahin the confidence to find herself and enjoy life despite all the suffering and hardships of displacement and seeking asylum. According to a BBC news report, her coaches gradually began to recognize her skills. She reached a point where she trained with the national judo team of Pakistan but was unable to compete with them due to not having a Pakistani passport. In 2014, Nagara Shahin returned to Afghanistan and studied political science and public administration at the American University of Kabul. She also trained with the Afghan national team, and her male teammates welcomed her presence. As noted in *Life Toronto*, “During training, we were like a family, and they treated me like their sister.” She continued to train and compete, gaining significant attention as a female athlete in Afghanistan, which was somewhat unintentional. She told the BBC, “I faced immense cyber violence. This violence later turned into real harassment.” She recounted, “Several times, cars followed us. Once, a soda can was thrown at my mother, and I skillfully managed to save her.” In her first competition at the Tokyo Olympics, Nagara suffered a shoulder injury. In 2018, she left her homeland. She said, “I always say I became a refugee for the second time.” She went to Russia to continue her studies in entrepreneurship and international business. Unlike the warm welcome she received during training in Afghanistan, she couldn’t find a suitable group to train with in Russia. She spent a year training alone, which she describes as the bitterest period of her athletic career. In 2019, she met with a member of the International Judo Federation who suggested she join the Olympic Refugee Team. She qualified to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but was eliminated in her first match due to her shoulder injury. Until she completed her studies in Russia, the situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated significantly. Nagara said, "I was trapped." She returned to Pakistan but often stayed at home out of fear for her life. She faced severe attacks and criticism for not adhering to hijab regulations during competitions, which made her think more about her next steps. During this time, with the help of the Olympic Refuge Foundation and the UN Refugee Agency, she was given the opportunity to live and study in Canada. Nagara Shahin was accepted to continue her education in International Development in Toronto. She arrived in Canada in September 2022—a bittersweet moment for an athlete who has sought stability and peace across three different countries. It was in this Canadian city that her athletic life in judo was revitalized. In Paris, she is one of 37 athletes on the refugee team—a team that Nagara Shahin is proud to be a part of. Today (Saturday, August 20), she is set to step onto the mat once again and will compete for the first time in a mixed event representing the refugee team. Before the competitions, she told the International Judo Federation, "Team competitions are more exciting because I always look at my teammates, and I can't let them lose; that's why I fight for all of them." After the games, Nagara Shahin plans to declare Canada her home. She has now received permanent residency in Canada and hopes to one day be a supporter and helper for refugees like herself. Her mother and father are still in Pakistan and are happy that she has been able to realize her dream of participating in the Olympics. She says she relied on her family's support during the toughest times. "My sister always told me, 'I believe you will eventually reach your goal, and all these hard days will become memories that you can laugh about.'" "And now is the time when I can laugh about everything I've been through."

12 months ago - 303 Visits

Representative of Iran's Leader: The Afghan Government Must Treat Shiites Justly

Ghorbanali Dari Najafabadi, the representative of Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has criticized the caretaker government's approach towards the people, stating that it must treat Afghan citizens, especially Shiites, "justly." ISNA news agency reported that Mr. Dari Najafabadi made these remarks during Friday prayers in the city of Arak, located in central Iran, on August 19. In his sermon, he called on the current government to reconsider its treatment of the people. Dari Najafabadi 's comments come shortly after a report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom indicated that violations of the rights of religious minorities, including Shiites in Afghanistan, continue to be severe under the current regime. According to this report, the current government has restricted religious freedom for Shiites. It is noteworthy that since regaining control over Afghanistan, the current regime has imposed severe restrictions on religious minorities, including Shiites. Recently, the newspaper "Jomhouri Islami" reported that following the government's decision to close the private television station Tamaddon and Khatam al-Nabiyyin University, this group is seeking to "plunder the spiritual assets of Shiites" in Afghanistan. In further restrictions against Shiites, last year and this year, the government has asked Shiites to refrain from erecting large religious banners and structures in their cities. Additionally, the current regime has banned the establishment of "Saqakhaneh" (a place for distributing drinks) and the distribution of beverages during the days of Muharram. Moreover, leaders of the Shiite community in Afghanistan have repeatedly requested the caretaker government to recognize Jafari jurisprudence; however, this group has yet to officially respond to this request.

12 months ago - 1476 Visits

«Free Afghan Women» Slogan Leads to Manijeh Talash's Disqualification from Paris Olympics

Manijeh Talash, an Afghan athlete and member of the refugee team participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been disqualified from the games for displaying a political slogan ("Free Afghan Women"). The India Today newspaper reported today (Saturday, August 20) that Ms. Talash competed against Igor India from the Netherlands yesterday and showcased the phrase "Free Afghan Women," which was boldly written on her blue cape, after the match. This Afghan athlete not only lost the breakdancing competition against "India Sardarju" from the Netherlands but has also been removed from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The reason for the disqualification of this Afghan female athlete is cited as a violation of Olympic rules. According to Olympic regulations, displaying political messages during competitions is prohibited. Article 50 of the Olympic Charter forbids any form of political, religious, or racial demonstrations or propaganda at the Olympic venue or other locations. Although Ms. Talash was disqualified before the return matches, she managed to convey her message regarding women's rights in Afghanistan on one of the largest sports stages. Twenty-one-year-old Manijeh Talash, who fled to Spain following the current regime's takeover in Afghanistan, is the first break dancer from Afghanistan to participate in the Olympics. She lost to her Dutch opponent and told reporters after the match that she did not leave Afghanistan out of "fear of the Taliban." According to CNN, she added: "I left Afghanistan because I want to do everything I can for Afghan girls, for my future life, and for everyone."

12 months ago - 466 Visits

American Bar Association to the World: Prevent the "Genocide" of Hazaras in Afghanistan

The American Bar Association has urged all governments to recognize and prevent genocidal actions against the Hazara people and other persecuted minority groups in Afghanistan. In a report to the U.S. Congress, the association stated that the Hazara people have been victims of violent acts and indescribable mass killings by various rulers in Afghanistan since the late 19th century, and this trend continues to this day. The American Bar Association called for action from the Office of Global Criminal Justice at the U.S. Department of State to promote justice and accountability efforts to end impunity for genocide in Afghanistan. Additionally, the association has urged the U.S. Congress to strengthen national, regional, and international frameworks aimed at preventing mass atrocities in Afghanistan and protecting at-risk groups such as the Hazaras. The association provided a brief overview of certain events that it claims have contributed to the worsening human rights situation for the Hazara people and equate to genocide. The report noted that the first recorded instance of a brutal massacre against the Hazaras occurred during the reign of Abdur Rahman Khan, a Pashtun ruler from 1880 to 1901, during which nearly 60% of the Hazaras were massacred and displaced to neighboring countries and Central Asia. The report stated that Abdul Rahman Khan classified the Hazaras as "infidels," and through rape and murder, he depopulated Hazara regions and issued royal decrees allowing Pashtun nomads (Kochis) to use Hazara lands. The American Bar Association emphasized that the discrimination and dehumanization employed by Abdul Rahman Khan to justify the persecution of the Hazaras were again utilized by the current regime in the 1990s. Afshar Massacre Also, the American Bar Association report quoted Human Rights Watch as saying that during the jihadist organization's wars from 1992 to 1993, there was "compelling evidence" that the factions regularly and deliberately targeted civilians and civilian areas for attack. And they shot at civilian areas recklessly and indiscriminately. According to this report, in February 1993, Jamiat-e-Islami and Ittihad-e-Islami forces clashed with Hizb-e-Vahdat forces in Afshar area of Kabul. Although it is said that Hizb-e-Vahdat forces fled the area, Jamiat and Ittihad factions during the ground attack on Hazaras attacked. The American Bar Association wrote that other reports indicated that elderly people, women, children and even their dogs were beheaded and their bodies dumped in wells. This is in addition to eyewitness accounts of rape, torture, kidnapping, looting, and forced labor. Massacre of Mazar-e-Sharif The American Bar Association's report on the killing of mostly Hazara civilians by the forces of the current government in Mazar-e-Sharif states that although the Hazaras were persecuted by the Rabbani government (1992-1996), the re-emergence of the current government at that time created other major problems for the security of this ethnic group created. In this report, citing Human Rights Watch, it is estimated that between 2,000 and 5,000 civilians were "systematically and brutally executed" in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in August 1998 during the reign of the current government at that time. Experts noted that the violence was "a killing spree fueled by racial and religious prejudices." Yakavelang Massacre in 2001 Also, in a part of the report of the American Bar Association, it is stated that in January 2001, the forces of the current government at that time, conducted a search operation in Yakavalang Bamyan and arrested 300 civilian men. According to this report, these people were taken to certain gathering points and then shot by the firing squad in public view. The association stressed that the current government at the time intended these heinous acts as "collective punishment" for local residents who collaborated with opposition forces. The Continuation of Acts of Genocide The American Bar Association said in its report that the genocide of Hazaras continues to this day. According to the report of this association, since the time of Abdul Rahman Khan, many of those who held power in Afghanistan, including the current government and newer factions such as ISIS Khorasan, have continued to commit crimes against Hazaras. Even in other countries, Hazaras are no longer safe and are at risk of violence and forced exile by other governments in the region, the report said. Conflict between Hazaras and Nomads Also, in the report of the American Bar Association, the conflict in Hazarejat, especially Ghazni and Wardak Square, between the Pashtun nomads and the Hazaras over grazing land is also mentioned. The report states that Abdul Rahman Khan's actions in confiscating land from the Hazaras and giving it to the nomad through a royal decree had lasting and damaging effects on the Hazara community. Experts believe that the current administration continues to exploit historical events to continue patterns of violence against Hazaras. Forced Displacements The American Bar Association's report states that forced displacements have become a common tool of the caretaker government against the Hazaras. The report mentions that thousands of Hazaras from the provinces of Helmand, Kabul, Maidan Wardak, and Balkh have been forcibly removed from their homes over the past three years. According to the report, in 2021, it is estimated that more than 2,500 Hazara families were compelled to leave their homes, and no legal recourse was provided for them to contest the orders. The report highlights the violence against Hazaras in Jowzjan, noting that these people are facing forced displacement. Since the return of the caretaker government to power in Afghanistan, multiple instances of killings of residents in Hazara-dominated areas of the Khass Urozgan district have been reported.

12 months ago - 499 Visits

Naseer Ahmad Faiq: The Torture of Afghan Teenagers by Iranian Police is Inhumane

Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the head of Afghanistan's mission to the United Nations, condemned the behavior of Iranian police towards Afghan migrants as contrary to accepted global principles and immigration laws. Mr. Faiq stated that the torture of an Afghan teenage migrant by police in Damavand County, Iran, is inhumane and un-Islamic. According to reports from international media, a 15-year-old Afghan boy named Seyed Mahdi was injured due to torture by Iranian police, resulting in a broken neck. Additionally, images and videos obtained by the Goharshad media outlet show a plainclothes officer in the village of Abasrd in Damavand County holding Seyed Mahdi's hands and feet while another officer presses his knee against the boy's neck. The images of this Afghan migrant's torture have garnered widespread attention on social media. In response to this incident, the head of Afghanistan's mission to the United Nations wrote on his X account: "The actions and conduct of the Islamic Republic of Iran's police towards Afghan refugees and migrants, especially those with legal documents, are against internationally accepted principles and immigration laws." Mr. Faiq described the torture of Afghan migrants by Iranian police as "inhumane" and "un-Islamic," calling for serious measures to prevent and address such incidents. He also expressed gratitude to Iran for sheltering millions of Afghan migrants and urged Iranian authorities to take necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such events. It is noteworthy that the mistreatment of Afghan migrants by Iranian police, particularly the breaking of a young refugee's neck, has sparked widespread reactions among Afghan citizens. The young refugee from Daykundi is currently hospitalized.

12 months ago - 798 Visits

2024 Paris Competitions; Zakiya Khodadadi Aiming for Gold

Zakiya Khodadadi, a female athlete from Afghanistan who left the country after the return of the caretaker government, is seeking to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics, which is part of the Olympic events in Paris. Ms. Khodadadi stated that she competes in the name of the women and girls of her country who have gradually been deprived of their social, educational, and political rights over the past three years. Associated Press reported that this Paralympic taekwondo athlete made history in 2021 in Tokyo by becoming the first Afghan woman to participate in an international sporting event after the current government's takeover. Khodadadi was banned from competing when the caretaker government regained power. She was allowed to represent her country after leaving Afghanistan and at the request of the international community. In a conversation with the Associated Press, this female athlete said, "It is difficult for me because I want to compete with my country's flag; however, life has been forbidden for all girls and women in Afghanistan. Today I am here to win a medal in Paris for them. I want to show strength to all women and girls in Afghanistan." The report noted that Khodadadi began practicing taekwondo at the age of 11. She trained secretly in a gym in her hometown of Herat because there were simply no other opportunities for women to safely engage in sports in Afghanistan. According to the Associated Press, despite the restrictive culture surrounding her, her family has allowed and encouraged her to be active. She mentioned that her determination to compete in Afghanistan was fueled by her disability. Khodadadi competes for the Refugee Paralympic Team, while other athletes like Kimia Yousofi, an Olympic runner, were seeking medals under the Afghan flag, managing to secure the 31st position among 36 athletes. Zakiya Khodadadi is set to compete for the Refugee Paralympic Team.

12 months ago - 421 Visits

United Nations: The Participation of Afghan Women in Humanitarian Aid Processes is Vital

The humanitarian sector of the United Nations has stated that the involvement of women and girls in Afghanistan in humanitarian aid processes is essential and must be ensured. In a message shared on its X account, the organization quoted Nagina Yari, head of the Women’s Advisory Group of the Humanitarian Country Team in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the participation of Afghan women and girls in humanitarian aid processes secures their rights. The UN humanitarian sector asserts that women are powerful agents of change, and their presence is crucial for the success of humanitarian responses. It continues to state that without meaningful participation and support for women in this process, the involvement of women and girls will also be limited. Nagina Yari highlighted the importance of enhancing women's roles in decision-making, stating that donors must support women and base strategies on their recommendations. Ms. Yari added that engaging with women leads to better outcomes and protects their rights. While the UN humanitarian sector emphasizes the participation of women and girls, according to UN statistics, 23.7 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance, with approximately 80% being women and children. However, the current government has prohibited women and girls from working in international organizations, including UN offices. Previously, various UN agencies have stated that the ban on women's work has posed challenges to the humanitarian aid process for those in need.

12 months ago - 434 Visits

World Food Program: We Have Removed 600,000 Pregnant Women from the Aid Process

The World Food Program of the United Nations has expressed concern over budget shortages within the organization, stating that this summer it has removed 600,000 pregnant women in Afghanistan from the list of recipients of nutritious food due to a lack of funds. It further noted that this year, 1.6 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Afghanistan have received nutritious food to prevent malnutrition for themselves and their children. On Tuesday, August 7, the World Food Program reiterated its concerns about budget shortages in a message posted on its X account. This comes at a time when the World Food Program had previously stated that it could not provide emergency food assistance to 11 million people in need due to budget constraints. According to United Nations statistics, 23.7 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance, with approximately 48% of the population living below the poverty line. It should be noted that following the return of the caretaker government to power and the imposition of restrictive policies regarding the rights and freedoms of women and girls, as well as work limitations, access to humanitarian aid for them has been hindered.

12 months ago - 597 Visits

Hangaw Organization: The Situation of Afghan Migrants in Iran is Catastrophic

Following the protests and harassment of Afghan migrants in Iran, particularly in Tehran, the human rights organization Hangaw has warned about the increasing governmental and social racism towards Afghan migrants in the country, describing the situation as "catastrophic." In a report, this human rights organization stated that in recent months, there has been a wave of rising anti-Afghan racism, both at the governmental and societal levels, observable within Iran. The report noted that this racism includes discussions surrounding the expulsion of Afghan migrants in the context of Iran's presidential election debates, as well as a growing demand for their expulsion on social media platforms. Hangaw emphasized that many Afghan citizens, despite having lived and worked in Iran for decades, do not possess valid residency cards. The report indicated that Afghan migrants are not allowed to reside in 16 provinces of Iran, and outside of Tehran, Alborz, and Qom provinces, they are only permitted to stay in certain districts. It should be noted that tensions between Iranian citizens and Afghan migrants escalated following the killing of an Iranian individual. As days pass, there is an increasing wave of anti-migrant sentiment and opposition towards Afghan nationals across various regions in Iran. In recent weeks, there has been a surge of violence and hostility against Afghan migrants in the capital and several districts of Tehran. In many cases, Afghan migrants have faced insults, humiliation, beatings, and knife attacks from Iranian citizens.