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KABUL – In a pressing call, United Nations experts are demanding the swift release of women human rights defenders Neda Parwan and Zholia Parsi, who have been held in detention by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities for over a month.
Both Parwan and Parsi are associated with the Women’s Spontaneous Movement. Furthermore, Neda Parwan’s husband and Zholia Parsi’s adult son have also been taken into custody. Despite these arrests, no clear reasons have been provided by the authorities. It’s worth noting that similar arrests have occurred in the past when individuals exercised their fundamental right to engage in peaceful protests.
Expressing their growing concerns about the physical and mental well-being of the detainees after a month in custody, the UN experts emphasize the importance of upholding the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. These rights are fundamental principles enshrined in international human rights law. The experts warn against the deprivation of liberty merely for expressing dissenting views and exercising legitimate rights. Women human rights defenders are particularly vulnerable to being targeted due to their gender.
The experts also criticize the Taliban for intensifying restrictions on civic space, particularly by silencing the voices of women and girls. This creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The UN experts call on the de facto authorities to respect freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to engage in peaceful protest, in line with Afghanistan’s international obligations under human rights instruments ratified by the state.
It’s concerning that, a month after their arrest, Neda Parwan and Zholia Parsi, along with their family members, have not been charged with a crime or brought before a court. They have also been denied access to legal representation.
