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 H.E. Ambassador Olivier Maes, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations, at the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg in New York.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the 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.
During the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of sustained international engagement and concrete measures to address ongoing violations of Afghan women’s fundamental rights. Particular attention was given to the need to advance accountability mechanisms for widespread and systematic abuses committed against women and girls.
The delegation also stressed the importance of ensuring that Afghan women’s voices remain central to international discussions and policy responses concerning Afghanistan, including within United Nations processes.
Shamsama sincerely appreciates Luxembourg’s continued support and commitment to the rights of Afghan women and girls, and welcomes its engagement in advancing accountability and justice.
This 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.