رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد, نویسنده در رسانه گوهرشاد

Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

1 year ago - 467 Visits

Rina Amiri: The Rulings of the Afghan Government Against Women Have Been Catastrophic

Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Representative for Human Rights and Women in Afghanistan, states that the decrees issued by the interim government over the past three years against women and girls in Afghanistan have been "catastrophic." Ms. Amiri raised this issue during a session on the status of women and girls in Afghanistan at the U.S. Congress, noting that women and girls are the "primary victims of the economic and humanitarian crisis" in Afghanistan. She emphasized that the interim government has fundamentally destroyed the values that the Afghan people had achieved after two decades. She stated that the current government has banned women and girls from employment sectors and severely restricted their access to healthcare services. The U.S. Special Representative for Human Rights and Women in Afghanistan, citing a June report by Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, mentioned that the series of decrees from the current government has led to systematic violations of women's rights and has made it difficult for international organizations to operate. Ms. Amiri added that the current government has shown no signs of normalization in the past three years, and the United States is not going to recognize them. Reena Amiri stressed that the world must ensure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists again. In her continued remarks at the session, she noted that the current government is accused of suppressing human rights, especially women's rights in Afghanistan. This U.S. official welcomed the sanctions imposed against the current government by the United States, stating, "We welcome these sanctions." Ms. Amiri mentioned that over 100 individuals and five entities of the current government are under sanctions, and they will work with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Special Rapporteur to hold the interim government accountable. Additionally, for nearly three years, the interim government has banned girls above sixth grade from attending school in Afghanistan. The interim government has also prevented Afghan women and girls from studying at universities, educational centers, and working in domestic and international organizations. These actions by the current government have resulted in hundreds of thousands being unemployed and millions of girls missing out on education.

1 year ago - 371 Visits

Women Criticize the World’s Silence on "Gender Apartheid" in Afghanistan

In response to calls for the recognition of gender apartheid in Afghanistan, several women’s rights activists state that gender apartheid in the country means "discrimination against women, without legal consequences for its perpetrators," urging the international community to end its silence regarding the actions of the current government as soon as possible. In a video shared by the global campaign "Fight Against Gender Apartheid" on the social media platform X, these activists described the actions of the current Afghan government and the Islamic Republic of Iran against women as "crimes against humanity." They emphasized: "Gender apartheid means stripping women of their independent identity throughout their lives, viewing women as half-men, and legally permitting child marriage." These women's rights activists are calling on countries around the world to quickly criminalize gender apartheid as a "crime against humanity" to ensure the rights of women in Afghanistan and Iran. At the same time, several human rights defenders at a meeting organized by the Middle East Institute to "codify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity in Afghanistan" stressed that gender apartheid in this country is "not just a legal issue, but a deep moral and social problem." This comes as the interim government has imposed more than 50 restrictive orders on women and girls since coming back to power in Afghanistan. For nearly three years, women under the current government have been deprived of all their basic rights, including the right to education, work, travel, recreation, and political participation. United Nations human rights experts have referred to the violation of women's and girls' fundamental rights as an example of "gender apartheid" and have called on judicial authorities in various countries to recognize this phenomenon. Meanwhile, Afghan and Iranian women have launched a campaign by the "Alliance Against Gender Apartheid," releasing various statements to amplify the voices of women from these two countries fighting against the system of "gender apartheid." Recently, many women’s rights activists from different countries, including Western nations such as Germany and Ukrainian feminists, also expressed their solidarity with women in Iran and Afghanistan through messages.

1 year ago - 378 Visits

The activities of six health centers in Badakhshan were stopped

Health sources from Badakhshan province report that six health centers supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are set to cease operations in the coming two days. At least three sources told the media outlet Gowharshad today (Tuesday, August 1) that these health centers are located in the areas of Betash and Miyandashteh in Faizabad city, Dasht Farakh in Baharak district, Dehnab in Argo district, Khosrow in Warduj district, and Daneshabad in Yaftal district, and they will stop functioning within the next two days. The sources did not provide details regarding the reasons for the closure of these health centers. Local officials from Badakhshan confirmed the cessation of operations at these health centers but did not provide information about the reasons behind it. These centers provided health services to thousands of people, especially pregnant women and newborns, and will close their doors to patients at the end of this month, ceasing all activities. Local residents say that many individuals who could not afford to visit a doctor or buy medication relied on these centers for free medicines. They express concern that with the closure of these health facilities, thousands of people, particularly women and children, will face difficulties. This comes at a time when the operations of a 60-bed maternity and child hospital in Badakhshan, which was financially supported by the World Health Organization, have also recently been halted. The reason for this hospital's closure is cited as a lack of sufficient funding. Currently, only one 30-bed women's unit is operational in Badakhshan provincial hospital, which is unable to meet the needs of patients due to a shortage of doctors and specialists. It should be noted that this year, international aid organizations have repeatedly reported budget shortfalls and warned about their consequences. Recently, the World Health Organization reported that 310 health centers across the country, including hospitals, are facing severe service shortages and lack of support due to budget constraints. The organization has warned that the closure of health centers will have a detrimental impact on access to healthcare for more than three million people.

1 year ago - 543 Visits

Floods in South Asia Endanger the Lives of Over Six Million Children

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has announced that heavy rains and flooding have put the lives of more than six million children in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan at risk. The organization has called for immediate action to protect children in these countries. Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF's regional director for South Asia, described the situation of children and adolescents affected by recent floods in these countries as "concerning" in a statement. He emphasized, "We are deeply worried about the well-being and safety of over six million children and their families in these countries who have lost their homes or been displaced and are struggling to survive." UNICEF has requested $9.3 million to support emergency preparedness for children across the region. The organization has released statistics on the financial and human toll caused by recent floods in six South Asian countries, including Afghanistan. According to this data, recent floods in Baghlan, Badakhshan, and western provinces of Afghanistan have resulted in 58 deaths and affected 1,900 families. The statement noted: "Flooding poses risks beyond injury and death for children's health. Floods threaten clean water sources, increasing the risk of disease and diarrhea outbreaks." UNICEF added, "When homes are submerged, displacement can expose children to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking." This solar year, various provinces of Afghanistan have experienced heavy rainfall and devastating floods. These floods have caused significant casualties and damage, displacing hundreds of people.

1 year ago - 434 Visits

Afghan Women; The Primary Victims of Restrictive Government Policies

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari Since the current government's resurgence in Afghanistan, we have witnessed widespread and unprecedented restrictions on the fundamental rights and freedoms of women. These restrictions, described by United Nations experts as "crimes against humanity" and referred to as "gender apartheid" by Afghan women activists, have severely impacted the lives of millions of women in Afghanistan. In a recent joint report published by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the UN Women’s section, and the International Organization for Migration, the dire consequences of these policies on Afghan women have been thoroughly examined. Researchers of this report have conducted hundreds of interviews with women across Afghanistan, providing a clear picture of the deplorable state of women's rights in the country. Participants in this study spoke in detail about the challenges they face in accessing essential services, feeling secure, mental health, and social participation. This report, prepared based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2721, indicates that the current government's policies not only violate women's fundamental rights but also seriously undermine Afghanistan's stability and development. The deprivation of women from education, employment, and participation in public life not only excludes half of Afghanistan's population from development but also wastes the immense potential of the country. The international community and global institutions must take more serious actions to address this situation and support the rights of Afghan women. Lack of Access to Legal Mechanisms One of the most striking consequences of the current ruling groups' resurgence in Afghanistan is the widespread deprivation of women from access to legal mechanisms. Reports from international organizations, particularly the United Nations, paint a bleak picture of the status of women in this country. According to these reports, nearly all Afghan women have been deprived of both formal and informal dispute resolution mechanisms. Only a very small percentage (three percent) of women have claimed to have access to these mechanisms. This shocking statistic reflects the depth of the catastrophe that Afghan women are grappling with. In addition to the lack of access to legal mechanisms, fear and terror also cast a shadow over the daily lives of women. Many women have acknowledged that they have had no interaction with local authorities of the ruling group due to fear of repercussions. This profound fear stems from the repressive policies of this group and the severe restrictions imposed on women. In fact, the current rulers of Afghanistan are attempting to deter women from demanding their rights by creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Beyond structural barriers, social obstacles also hinder women's access to justice. Many women are forced to resort to influential men or religious leaders to voice their issues. This not only serves as a humiliation and insult to women but also highlights the deep-rooted gender discrimination in Afghan society. In reality, women in this society have been marginalized and deprived of their basic right to access justice. This situation poses a serious threat not only to women but to Afghan society as a whole, as half of the population has been stripped of their fundamental rights. Deprivation of Women from Decision-Making Participation The deprivation of women from the right to participate in decision-making is one of the regrettable aspects of the current regime's rule over Afghanistan. This discriminatory policy has marginalized women and excluded them from all areas of social, political, and economic life. Afghan women, who once played active and influential roles in society, are now stripped of their most basic human rights. Afghan women who have spoken with representatives of the United Nations have emphasized the depth of this crisis. They have stated that they have no role in any stage of decision-making, including the formulation of laws and public policies. This is particularly concerning as the laws enacted directly impact their lives and futures. However, women are not only unable to influence these laws, but they also cannot seek legal avenues to assert even the minimal rights that the ruling groups have allocated to them. The current rulers' governance in Afghanistan signifies a return to the Middle Ages for the women of this country. Before the rise of this group, Afghan women had an active and prominent presence in society. They participated in parliament, universities, media, and non-governmental organizations, playing a role in shaping the country's laws. Now, however, women have been excluded from all public spheres, and their right to protest and express their opinions has been severely restricted. This situation not only harms Afghan women but also affects the entire Afghan society, hindering the country's development and progress. Feelings of Insecurity and Psychological Issues The psychological crisis in Afghanistan, particularly among women, has reached extensive dimensions. According to a comprehensive report by the United Nations, feelings of insecurity within society have significantly increased. Sixty-five percent of Afghan women have acknowledged that they do not feel safe when leaving their homes alone. This shocking statistic reveals the deep-rooted fear and anxiety that permeate society. Even the presence of men accompanying women in public places does not fully guarantee their sense of security. This situation indicates the creation of an atmosphere of fear and restriction in the daily lives of Afghan women. The severe restrictions imposed by the current rulers on women's lives have had destructive and long-lasting effects on their mental health. More than half of the women participating in this study described their mental health as very poor or bad. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation have been reported as the most common psychological issues. A recent speech by the leader of the ruling group defending acts of violence against women has intensified this crisis. Such statements have reinforced feelings of hopelessness and despair among women, presenting a bleak future ahead of them. Schoolgirls and female students are among the most vulnerable groups in these circumstances. The deprivation of their right to education has inflicted irreparable damage on their futures, leading to widespread depression and hopelessness. The significant increase in suicide cases among girls stands as evidence of the profound impact of these policies. This situation not only harms the individual mental health of girls but also severely undermines the social and economic development of Afghanistan. Depriving half of the population of education robs the country of its tremendous potential. The Destructive and Inhumane Consequences of the Ruling Group's Policies on Women's Society Are Not Limited to Them! Although the United Nations has primarily focused on the catastrophic effects of the current rulers' policies on the lives of Afghan women, the devastating impact of this group extends to all aspects of Afghan people's lives. In fact, the policies of the current group have led to a widespread humanitarian crisis in the country, with over two-thirds of Afghanistan's population living in severe poverty and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Among this population, 17 million people are in very vulnerable conditions, and their daily lives are under serious threat. In addition to the economic crisis, discrimination and human rights violations have also significantly increased. Religious and ethnic minorities, particularly the Hazara Shia, are increasingly subjected to persecution and are deprived of their basic rights. Civil and political freedoms have been severely restricted, and the public space is under tight control by the ruling groups. This situation has not only affected the daily lives of the people but has also caused serious damage to the country's infrastructure and reversed development progress. Key sectors such as education, healthcare, and urban infrastructure have been severely weakened, jeopardizing the future of Afghanistan's upcoming generations. In summary, the policies of the ruling group have led to a multifaceted crisis in Afghanistan that requires serious attention from the international community and immediate actions to improve the humanitarian situation of the people in this country.

1 year ago - 399 Visits

A number of Iranian citizens protested against Afghan migrants in Tehran

A group of Iranian citizens in District 15 of Tehran protested against Afghan migrants in the country, chanting slogans such as "Death to Afghans." According to reports from domestic and international media, recent days have seen an increase in protests and mistreatment of Afghan migrants in Iran, particularly in Tehran. Videos shared on social media show some individuals protesting on a street that is said to be the site of the murder of an Iranian citizen. The protesters are mainly women, and some police officers can be seen accompanying them. On Friday, August 5, protesters held a demonstration in District 15 of Tehran, shouting slogans like "Death to Afghans" and "Afghans commit crimes, the government supports them." A video circulating on social media is short, and the slogans and demands put forth by the demonstrators are not clearly specified. It is noteworthy that following the news of the death of an Iranian citizen in District 15 of Tehran, several Afghan migrants reported widespread mistreatment by local people towards Afghans in the eastern part of the capital. Last week, it was reported that an Iranian citizen was killed following a confrontation with three Afghan migrants. Additionally, Afghan migrants from District 15 of Tehran (the site of this altercation) have shared an announcement on social media warning Afghan migrants to leave the area immediately. In this announcement, whose author or issuing body is not specified, Afghan migrants are warned that if they do not leave District 15, they will be forcibly expelled from Iran. [caption id="attachment_14901" align="aligncenter" width="783"] The announcement published about the expulsion of Afghan immigrants from the 15th district of Tehran[/caption] Also, the Tasnim news agency reported last week that following the death of an Iranian citizen in a hospital emergency room, police in the capital arrested three Afghan brothers on suspicion of involvement in the fatal injury. This news agency quoted a woman whose apartment was visited by three migrant workers: "My husband left for a work assignment and I was home alone. These three brothers, who are our neighbors, came to collect building charges, and a verbal argument broke out between us over construction issues." This woman, who accused the three migrant workers of using foul language, stated that after the workers left, she contacted her husband, and an hour later, her husband's brother went to confront the three and got into a fight with them. Domestic media, including Tasnim news agency, reported that this 28-year-old man was injured in the chest during the altercation with the three Afghan workers and died in the hospital. This comes as a wave of criticism regarding the presence of Afghan migrants in various cities across Iran has emerged on social media and in the press in recent months. Concurrently with these criticisms, Iranian police have intensified their process of arresting and expelling Afghan migrants.

1 year ago - 587 Visits

Message from Afghan Female Athletes to the Paris Olympics: Women and Girls in Afghanistan Are Denied the Right to Sport

A group of female athletes has sent a message to the participants of the 2024 Paris Olympics, reminding them not to forget that women and girls in Afghanistan are systematically excluded from sports by the caretaker government. In their message, they stated that the silence of the international community regarding the exclusion of women and girls from education, society, and sports is unforgivable. These female athletes emphasized that the current government has sacrificed the talents and potential of Afghan women and girls, which could have contributed to the pride of the global community. The message further highlighted that the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan by the current government is "humiliating," and ignoring the imposed restrictions on Afghan women reflects a "moral weakness" of the international community. Additionally, the female athletes called on the global community to take decisive action against the restrictions imposed by the caretaker government on women and girls in Afghanistan. The caretaker government has banned women and girls from participating in sports, and all women's sports teams have been dissolved. It is noteworthy that six Afghan athletes (three women and three men) will represent Afghan sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Simultaneously, five Afghan athletes are participating in the International Olympic Committee's refugee team, bringing the total number of Afghan athletes competing in this year's Olympics to eleven. The caretaker government has declared that it does not recognize these girls as Afghan athletes.

1 year ago - 438 Visits

A Girl in Bamiyan Commits Suicide After Being Released from Prison

Local sources from Bamiyan province report that a young girl in the Punjab district has hanged herself after being released from the prison of the caretaker government. At least two sources confirmed that the young girl, named "Tahera," committed suicide yesterday (Saturday, August 6) by hanging herself. One source emphasized that a few days prior, the current government forces had taken this girl from the "Taghab Barg" village in the Punjab district of Bamiyan and subjected her to "harassment" while transporting her in a military Ranger vehicle. The source added that when local residents became aware of the situation, the district governor of Punjab and the police chief of Bamiyan stated that the group’s soldiers had detained this girl for her "improper hijab" and sent her to the center of Bamiyan. Additionally, written statements from Tahera published on social media indicate that she said she boarded the government Ranger out of fear. The police command of the current government in Bamiyan had also interviewed her. Another source confirmed that this young girl had spent several days in the custody of the police chief of Bamiyan and was released after repeated complaints from local residents. It was further noted that Tahera was around 19 years old, had studied up to the ninth grade, and was currently working as a tailor. Moreover, a security source also confirmed this incident but did not provide details regarding the reasons for her detention. It is worth mentioning that since regaining control over Afghanistan, the caretaker government has frequently been accused of "kidnapping" young girls and "assaulting" them. Previous reports have also indicated instances of individuals committing suicide after being released from the custody of the caretaker government.

1 year ago - 441 Visits

Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women: The exclusion of Afghan women from the Doha meeting is worrying

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has reacted to the lack of participation of Afghan women and girls in the Doha meeting and has declared that it is deeply concerned about the exclusion of Afghan women and girls from the third Doha meeting. By publishing a declaration, this committee has called for the active and direct participation of women and girls in the Doha discussions. The announcement states that the non-participation of the Afghan civil society, including women human rights defenders, as meaningful participants in the Doha discussions, causes the rights of women and girls to be insufficiently considered. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women says that the exclusion of Afghan women and girls from the Doha meeting only helps to weaken the credibility and effectiveness of this meeting. According to international media reports, women's rights are not on the agenda of the third meeting of country representatives in Doha, and civil activists and women's representatives will not be present at this meeting either. This committee has also asked the international community to ensure that women's rights play a central role in the discussion with the current government and that all possible measures are taken to raise the voice of Afghan women and girls and not marginalize them. It must be said that the exclusion of women from the list of participants of the Doha meeting has been widely criticized. A number of female activists and human rights activists of Afghanistan have launched a campaign to boycott this meeting.

1 year ago - 319 Visits

Filming and photography of wedding circles in the women's section of Ghazni was banned

Local sources and owners of photography and filming studios in Ghazni Province say that the Department of Prohibition and Prohibition of Prohibition of Evil in this province has banned filming and photography from women's wedding parties, which causes dozens of people to lose their jobs. At least four sources from Ghazni told Gowharshad Media that the Directorate of Prohibition and Prohibition issued this order verbally on (Monday, jon 24). The source emphasized that the Ministry of Prosperity and Prohibition of Prohibition summoned a number of owners of photography and filming studios and communicated this order to them. A number of owners and employees of photography and filming studios in Ghazni say that this order will make them unemployed. On the other hand, Hamidullah Nisar, the head of information and culture of Ghazni, has confirmed this order while talking to Gowharshad media. Mr. Nisar said: "This decision was taken at the request of the noble people of Ghazni Province. Also, filming and photographing women's wedding parties is also not correct from a religious and cultural point of view. However, the owner of a photography and videography studio has told the media that he has invested 400,000 Afghanis and is making a living in this way. It is further stated that he is forced to change his job now that filming and photography of happy circles, especially wedding circles in the women's section, has been banned. It should be said that there are more than 50 photography and filming studios in Ghazni, each of which employs five to six people. This is despite the fact that the caretaker government has imposed extensive restrictions on holding happy gatherings, including wedding ceremonies, since regaining control of Afghanistan. The caretaker government had previously banned the playing of music in wedding ceremonies in different provinces of the country.