TBD
UN campaign to end violence against Afghan women.
gender violence
Violence targeting women and girls is widespread and deeply rooted in Afghan society, a report by the Human Rights branch of the UN Mission to Afghanistan recently revealed. As in other parts of the world, a 16 day campaign was launched November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to end the abuse. Norah Niland, UNAMA's Chief of Human Rights elaborates.
NILAND: Here in Afghanistan, violence against women cannot be divorced from cultural attitudes and practices that sustain the marginalization of, and discrimination against, women. Violence against women thrives in socio-economic conditions that see women as inferior and, somehow, less entitled to the full respect of their human rights. Afghan women are also subjected to the violence inherent in armed conflict as well as the lawlessness and criminality that is closely linked to a pervasive culture of impunity.
NARR: Even though violence is not openly condoned, says the UN report, it is not adequately challenged nor condemned by society at large and by the State. The report also discovered that rape is under-reported and concealed, affecting all communities and social groups.
NILAND: Women and girls are at risk of rape in their homes, in their villages, and in detention facilities. Victims often find themselves being prosecuted for the offence of zina, otherwise known as adultery. There is no explicit provision in the 1976 Afghan Penal Code that criminalizes rape. Thus, the UN recommended that the legislation on the Elimination of Violence against Women make explicit reference to rape, contain a clear definition of rape in line with international law, and hold the government responsible for tackling this ugly crime.
NARR: In this deeply conservative and war-torn society, the political space for women is shrinking eight years after the fall of the Taliban regime, showing evidence that women in decision-making processes are not acknowledged and valued in Afghan society. The UN backed 16 day campaign is an opportunity for Afghan men and women to come together to challenge the routine violence women endure, instead of keeping it under wraps.
NILAND: There is strong evidence to suggest that silence helps perpetuate violence. To quote the UN Secretary General: "violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable." It is important to publicly and explicitly condemn all forms of violence against women and girls. It is equally important to build an environment that inhibits rape and holds perpetrators to account. If progress is to be achieved, it must start at home, with parents, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. Democracy and peace in Afghanistan is dependent on the elimination of violence and the full participation of women, as well as men, in decision-making processes that affects the lives of individuals and the future of the nation.
PRES: Norah Niland, UNAMA's Chief of Human Rights speaking at the launch of the 16 days of activism against gender violence.
Jocelyne Sambira, UN Radio.
(duration: 3'00")
