On the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Rawadari expresses deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan. In over two years of Taliban’s rule, we have witnessed widespread restrictions on various aspects of citizens’ lives and increasing violation of their human rights and freedoms. Women and girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of their right to secondary and higher education, employment in a variety of sectors and freedom of movement, expression and association, which is contrary to all international human rights principles and a clear illustration of gender apartheid. Additionally, Rawadari has documented violations of the principles of fair trial, lack of access to justice for victims, arbitrary and unlawful detentions, torture and mistreatment, extrajudicial and targeted killings, forced displacement and violations of the rights of children in Afghanistan since Taliban’s return to power. The Taliban continue to suppress protests and unlawfully detain protesters, depriving the citizens from any opportunity to demand change and express peaceful dissent.

After decades of war, Afghans continue to yearn for peace. With the ongoing the systematic discrimination, oppression and segregation of women and girls, continued discrimination against marginalized ethnic and religious groups, and lack of access to justice for victims, peace remains elusive in Afghanistan. Afghanistan can only experience last peace with with equality and respect for dignity of all, women and men.

Today also marks the first anniversary of Rawadari’s public launch. On 10^th December 2022, Rawadari officially commenced its work as an independent human rights organization with the tagline “For an Equal and Peaceful Afghanistan”, aiming to monitor the human rights situation in Afghanistan and preserve and expand the culture of human rights. Despite various challenges including the complex security situation in Afghanistan, shrinking civic space and restrictions on access to information, we have been able to consistently and continuously document human rights violations and share our findings with the people of Afghanistan, the international community, human rights organizations and media. Additionally, over the past year, Rawadari has conducted advocacy with the United Nations, the International Criminal Court and other international human rights and accountability mechanisms for justice and for ending the culture of impunity in Afghanistan. We have actively engaged in consultation, coordination, and close collaboration with Afghan human rights activists, artists, researchers, academics, protestors, and other civic groups to promote a culture of peace and equality. As we celebrate the first anniversary of Rawadari’s launch, we emphasize our commitment and determination to promote human rights, combat discrimination and injustice, and pursue accountability and justice for all Afghans in collaboration and solidarity with our peers in the human rights and civic community of Afghanistan.