Shaharzad Akbar, the former chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and a human rights activist, has stated that if the Taliban seek international legitimacy, they must first restore the fundamental rights and human dignity of Afghan women and girls.
In a recent statement, she emphasized that the international community should send a clear message to the Taliban that legitimacy is not granted as a privilege or an entitlement; rather, it is earned through respect for the fundamental rights of the people.
Shaharzad Akbar said: “If the Taliban want legitimacy, they must earn it, and this process must begin with the restoration of the most basic rights and human dignity of Afghan women and girls.”
These remarks come as nearly five years have passed since the Taliban returned to power, while restrictions on the education, employment, social participation, and other fundamental rights of women and girls remain in place.
The Taliban have so far announced no practical measures to lift these restrictions. These policies continue to face widespread criticism from the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations.
Human rights advocates say that ensuring the rights of women and girls is a fundamental condition for Afghanistan’s engagement with the international community and for gaining any form of international legitimacy.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
