August 15, 2021, marks one of the darkest days in Afghanistan’s modern history. On that day, in a planned move, the country was handed over to the Taliban. Overnight, millions lost their safety, rights, and future, while the world watched in silence.

This crisis forced millions to flee their homes. Half of the population – women – were stripped of their most basic human rights. For four years, schools and universities have remained closed to girls, denying them the right to education, a right also recognized in Islamic Sharia.

Afghan women are now confined to their homes, like prisoners. They are banned from working, studying, socializing, or freely appearing in public. Thousands of women who were their families’ breadwinners have lost their jobs, pushing them into poverty and unemployment. These restrictions have caused widespread mental and physical harm, including depression and chronic illness.

Forced displacement, unlawful arrests for peaceful protests, and the killing of civilians and soldiers have driven thousands to seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan. Even there, Afghan refugees face forced deportation, children are denied education, and women are barred from work.

Some host countries – especially Germany – have deported Afghan asylum seekers labeled as “criminals” and have frozen the review of cases involving women human rights defenders and others at risk, despite the worsening situation.

While Afghan women inside and outside the country face threats and hardship, the international community continues to engage with the Taliban for political gain. Initiatives such as the Doha meetings and the “Mosaic Plan” have, in practice, served as a cover for the ongoing injustice against the people of Afghanistan.

HOVIAT, as the voice and advocate of Afghanistan’s vulnerable women, calls on the international community, countries involved in Afghanistan’s affairs, and human rights organizations to:

1. End political engagement with the Taliban: Stop any negotiations or cooperation driven solely by political interests and address the situation of the Afghan people – especially women – in line with international law.
2. Protect Afghan refugees: Neighboring countries, especially Iran and Pakistan, must stop the forced deportation or return of Afghan migrants.
3. Process asylum cases urgently: European countries, particularly Germany, must review asylum cases quickly and fairly so women at risk are not left stranded at borders or in unsafe neighboring states.
4. Do not recognize the Taliban: No country should grant recognition to the Taliban. Human rights, women’s rights, and human dignity must be at the center of all decisions on Afghanistan.