On the sidelines of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, a delegation of Afghan Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from Shamsama held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Tanja Leikas-Botta, Director for Human Rights Policy, and colleagues at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the rapidly deteriorating situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. The delegation highlighted the systematic restrictions and institutionalized discrimination imposed on Afghan women, which many advocates increasingly describe as gender persecution.
Participants discussed the urgent need for sustained international attention and concrete action to address the ongoing violations of Afghan women’s fundamental rights. Particular emphasis was placed on advancing accountability mechanisms for widespread and systematic abuses against women and girls.
The Shamsama delegation also stressed the importance of ensuring that Afghan women’s voices remain central in international discussions on Afghanistan, including within United Nations processes.
Shamsama appreciates Finland’s principled support for the rights of Afghan women and girls and welcomes its continued engagement in efforts aimed at promoting accountability and justice.
The meeting formed part of a broader series of bilateral engagements held by the delegation during CSW70, aimed at strengthening international solidarity and mobilizing support for Afghan women human rights defenders.