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STATEMENT OF DR. MASSOUDA JALAL

Founding Chairperson of Jalal Foundation and former Minister of Women, Afghanistan

for UN Human Rights Council Session 23 – Panel on VAW

Legal Framework for Global Action & Accountability

 

We, the women of Afghanistan, are now fighting a fierce battle for our survival and human rights, as the presumed ‘peace process’ brings back fundamentalists who now conspire to overthrow the 2009 law on the Elimination of Violence against Women (VAW) of Afghanistan. This law, the best we’ve ever had, outlaws 22 acts of VAW and is the only ray of hope in a country where family members are expected to kill a woman perceived to bring dishonor; where communities delight in the specter of a woman being stoned, mutilated or hanged to death; and where the President himself openly stated that his support to women’s rights had already embarrassed and given him a bad name.

At this point in time, nowhere in the world is the need for a VAW global framework for action and accountability more profound than in Afghanistan. I urge you, on behalf of Afghan women and girls, to fast track the adoption of this legal framework, with particular attention to the following substantive elements: (1) preventive measures at all fronts; (2) adequacy of protection, health, counseling, economic and legal support to survivors; (3) performance standards for state bodies/officials; (4) creation of oversight and disciplinary mechanisms to duty bearers who are found to be remiss in their obligations; and (5) punitive measures to institutions that systematically foment VAW.  This framework should be endorsed by, among other entities, the Organization of Islamic Countries whose commitment must be sought in overseeing compliance by its member states. 

The exigent situation in Afghanistan provides a compelling reason to accelerate the process of coming up with this legal framework for global action and accountability on EVAW. But I also know that such a process may take some time to complete.  In the meantime, I end with a very earnest appeal for your government and organizations, and for this Council, to immediately communicate your opposition to the repeal or amendment of the 2009 EVAW Law to the Afghanistan President and Members of the Parliament. The international community promised that the rights of Afghan women will not be sacrificed in the altar of peace. We are counting on the fulfillment of this promise, now, more than ever. Thank you.