The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan 

 Women’s Council

Press Release

Upholding the Rights and Dignity of Women in Afghanistan 

July 31, 2023

We strongly condemn the recent U.S. engagement with the Taliban. Such discourse on human rights directly contradicts the harsh realities faced by our sisters daily under the Taliban’s despotic rule. The women of Afghanistan never sought engagement with these terrorists; instead, they long for a return to their rights under a popular, inclusive, and legitimate government. The notion that a few meetings with the Taliban could remedy their daily suffering is deeply troubling.

The fundamental demands of Afghanistan’s women have been egregiously absent from recent discussions. Despite the oppressive rule of the Taliban, Afghan women continue to display unmatched courage in their resistance, risking their lives daily. This struggle deserves firm solidarity, vocal advocacy, and tangible support from the international community.

We amplify the voices of the resolute women who bravely protested against the Taliban’s ban on beauty salons in Kabul on July 20. These individuals exemplify the larger resistance to Taliban rule and demonstrate immense courage in the face of suppressive tactics, including fire hoses, stun guns, and gunfire. While acknowledging the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan, we unequivocally denounce any dialogue with the entities behind these atrocities, as it only empowers global terror groups and undermines the principles cherished by our country and its allies.

We urge Ms. Amiry and the U.S. State Department to reassess their approach. Their focus, which currently prioritizes the interests of the United States and discusses the potential legitimization of Taliban rule, should shift to strengthen the voices of the brave women and people of Afghanistan who are fighting and resisting oppression.

We represent numerous organizations and women who support human rights and women’s rights in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, many of these groups lack access to Ms. Amiri’s office and cannot raise their concerns directly with the authorities. It is essential to recognize that these organizations have a completely different opinion about interacting with the Taliban. We firmly believe that discussing engagement without any change in the Taliban’s approach will be detrimental to the people of Afghanistan and the world.

Our plea to the international community is to support the just struggle for freedom, equality, and dignity that Afghan women fight for every day. Their voices must be heard, their struggles recognized, and their courage commended.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@nrfwomenscouncil.org