Some Afghan immigrants gathered in Toronto, Canada, demanded that the oppression of women in Afghanistan be recognized as "gender apartheid" and that allegations of "genocide" against the Hazaras be accepted.
The demonstration took place on Sunday. Participants expressed solidarity with women and girls in Afghanistan; they particularly condemned the oppression of women in Herat and declared their opposition to widespread human rights violations.
Emphasis on exclusion of women from education and public life
Protesters stated that women and girls in Afghanistan are deprived of fundamental rights such as education, work, freedom of movement, participation in social life, and presence in public spaces. The prepared statement described this as a clear violation of human rights and a systematic exclusion of half the society from public life.
Participants strongly condemned the misogynistic and discriminatory policies that deprive women of basic human rights. They also demanded that gender discrimination against Afghan women be recognized as a crime against humanity under international law.
Call for reopening educational institutions
The protest called for the immediate reopening of schools, universities, and all educational institutions for girls and women. Participants emphasized that education, work, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and social participation are irreversible fundamental rights.
Protesters argued that the oppression faced by women in Afghanistan is not limited to education but extends to all aspects of social life. Therefore, they expect a clearer and more effective stance from the international community.
Concerns about Hazaras and international appeal
Participants expressed concern about structural discrimination, targeted violence, land seizures, and military pressure in regions such as Panjshir and Andarab. They also highlighted deadly and systematic attacks on educational and worship places of the Hazaras.
The protest demanded that the international community and human rights organizations recognize the genocide allegations against the Hazaras and take urgent steps to stop it. Participants called on the United Nations, the Canadian government, democratic countries, and human rights institutions not to remain silent.
Demand for sanctions, documentation, and accountability
Those attending the protest called for diplomatic pressure, effective sanctions, documentation of violations, accountability mechanisms, and direct support for victims. The statement argued that ensuring justice and equality is a vital necessity for Afghanistan.
It was recalled that last week in Herat, many people were detained for not complying with dress codes for women, leading to protests by local residents that were quickly suppressed. According to United Nations data, at least one person was killed and many injured during the intervention.
Following the crackdown in Herat, Afghan immigrants living in various countries have also held demonstrations in recent days to protest the detention of women and the suppression of protests. These actions indicate growing diaspora reaction to human rights violations in Afghanistan.
