Open Letter to the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Letter to United Nations Officials and Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Women’s Human Rights and Education in Afghanistan gathers over 150 signatures.
January 8, New York, NY – In advance of the upcoming meeting between UN Officials and the de facto authorities of Afghanistan (Taliban), Religions for Peace and The Interfaith Center of New York have joined with other faith-based and humanitarian NGOs to release a civil society letter in support of women’s education and human rights in Afghanistan.
So far, over 150 individuals and organizations have signed, including members such as
WILPF Afghanistan, Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization, the AGA Khan Foundation Takhar Province, Pax Christi International, and the World Evangelical Alliance.
The letter is addressed to Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, and Ms. Sima Bahous, Under Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women. It calls for data relating to the financial and economic implications of the work ban and education ban on women in Afghanistan along with information about the number of female-headed households that will be affected by these bans.
To the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its 56 member states, the letter requests clarity as to whether the Taliban’s behavior is consonant with Islamic norms and values.
The letter was catalyzed by civil society organizations within Afghanistan. It comes in advance of reported high-level UN meetings with the Taliban and pressure on international humanitarian organizations to provide “lifesaving care” at the expense of women’s basic human rights.
CONTACTS:
Rev. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York Email: CBreyer@interfaithcenter.org – Phone: (917) 420-1214
Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary General, Religions for Peace
Email: AKaram@rfp.org – Phone: (917) 446-5935