European Parliament Member: Being a Woman in Afghanistan is a “Horrific Nightmare”

On Tuesday, October 15, the European Parliament held a special session to address the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan and the aftermath of the recent earthquake in the eastern part of the country. One European representative likened being a woman in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to a “horrific nightmare.”

Members of the Parliament highlighted that women are being denied healthcare and aid in earthquake-affected areas due to their gender. Hannah Neumann, a member of the Greens in the European Parliament, stated, “Afghanistan is the only country where women cannot work, study, or speak. This is not about culture or internal affairs; it is gender apartheid.”

Neumann added that the world had promised not to forget Afghanistan, but today it remains silent in the face of Afghan women’s suffering.

The Parliament members emphasized that the Taliban have imposed gender apartheid in Afghanistan and called on countries to recognize it as a crime against humanity. Human rights activists are pushing for gender apartheid to be recognized and criminalized under international law, similar to racial apartheid.

On Monday, the European Council on Human Rights adopted a resolution to establish a mechanism for monitoring the human rights situation and documenting violations in Afghanistan. This mechanism will bring the Taliban’s treatment of women and other marginalized groups under global scrutiny.

The UN has also reported that gender discrimination is preventing Afghan women from accessing healthcare in earthquake-affected areas. Parliament members noted that even earthquake victims face discrimination, as male aid workers, who make up the majority of relief personnel, are not allowed to assist women.

Criticism of Dialogue with the Taliban
Several European Parliament members criticized recent secret talks and visits by some European countries with the Taliban. Neumann stated, “European politicians should not travel to Kabul in secret. Any form of relationship with the Taliban must cease, and any collaboration with this regime must be exposed.”

She also pointed out that the Taliban’s deliberate shutdown of the internet has plunged millions into “absolute digital darkness.”

Call to Stop Deportations
Some Parliament members warned that continuing to deport Afghan refugees under the current conditions is a blatant violation of human rights. They urged EU member states to immediately halt the deportation of Afghan refugees and instead provide special support to women and girls at risk.

The European Parliament is set to vote on a resolution regarding the situation in Afghanistan this Thursday.