Awareness of the Latest Situation in Afghanistan!
As we all know, education and freedom are important aspects of a progressive nation. As expressed by a great Bengali philosopher, compiler, and the author of India’s national anthem, Rabindranath Tagore expressed the idea of a free world of honesty, hard work, and justice, while also highlighting logical reasoning and education.
Recently, news has spread of an unpleasant situation in Afghanistan, with new laws under the Taliban regarding unfairness and injustice towards women and girls. This brief report is thus written to spread awareness.
It seems that the new laws in Afghanistan lead to violations of human rights. The 90-page penal code allows physical harm as a form of discipline as long as it does not lead to bone fractures or deep injury. There is a burden of proof on victims if bone fractures or injuries are caused, and only a sentence of a maximum of 15 days is given to the convicted.
Also, there seem to be travel restrictions on women, stating that they must be accompanied by their husband, father, or other family members, restricting self-mobility and independence. There are voice and face restrictions stating that they must not sing or speak aloud outside.
Afghanistan also remains the only country in the entire world that has banned secondary and higher education for girls. There are also employment restrictions and prevention of working for NGO or UN jobs.
Afghanistan has developed a caste system on the basis of which the severity of punishment for crimes is decided, leading to unfair and biased judgment.
This is completely wrong and is a huge violation of human rights. In response to this, the ICC (International Criminal Court) is arranging a warrant for breach of human rights. UN Women projects and the Human Rights Council are holding an investigation to preserve evidence for the future. Other countries are also taking part in discussions discouraging the new laws, with ICJ (International Court of Justice) proceedings.
Social activism and protests are taking place on media platforms to raise a voice for the Afghan people suffering both physically and psychologically from the situation. It is important that we spread awareness so that together we can bring an end to this and spread peace.
Due to this poor representation by the Taliban and its decisions, unfortunately, people have started developing discriminatory thoughts towards Islamic countries and religion. However, it is important to remember that although the Taliban claim that they are acting according to what their religion guides, this is untrue. The violation of human rights cannot be disguised as a religious practice because religions (Islam, in this case, for Afghanistan) never spread a message of violence and instead highlight peace and spirituality.
So, alongside raising a voice regarding the entire situation, let us remember not to divide ourselves by religion, caste, or region and to stay united in harmony, standing up for humanity.
Taking inspiration from social activist for women’s education Malala Yousafzai (who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggles to bring positive change in society and was also shot by the Taliban but survived), the blissful idea of education and justice, and literary works under the same discussion such as “Where the Mind Is Without Fear” by Tagore and “Jahan Pahiya Hai” by P. Sainath, we as a society should stand together promoting justice and peace.
Sources:
BBC News, blogs, and documentaries under BBC; NDTV News Channel on media platforms; and other media channels on social platforms such as YouTube and television that featured direct interviews with Afghan women and their experiences.
For proof of the new laws taken by Afghanistan, most sources referred directly to legal and official decrees and announcements.
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