Malalai Joya, a prominent human rights activist and a staunch defender of women’s rights in Afghanistan, presented a powerful and harrowing depiction of the human rights situation in Afghanistan during a meeting with members of the European Parliament in Brussels. Having been on the frontlines of the fight against fundamentalism and political corruption in her country for years, she once again amplified the voices of protesting women to the world.
Exposing Taliban Crimes and the West’s Role in Afghanistan’s Crisis
In an interview with Brussels Morning correspondent, Joya emphasized the worsening state of Afghanistan, particularly after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, and underlined the intensifying human rights violations. She stated:
“In these past three years, the Taliban terrorists, who were brought to power by their Western masters especially the United States have turned Afghanistan into a burning prison for the people, particularly for women. Torture, imprisonment, rape, public flogging, stoning, abduction, forced displacement, and forced marriages are just some examples of the crimes this group has committed.”
In the same interview, Joya held Western policies chiefly responsible for Afghanistan’s misery and criticized the financial and military support the U.S. and its allies have provided to the Taliban:
“These policies are the root of all crises in Afghanistan from violence against women to poverty, unemployment, and migration. Three years ago, the U.S. reinstated the Taliban in power, but nothing changed; only one mercenary group was replaced with another extremist proxy to serve the sinister goals of global imperialism.”
She also stressed that many of the current Taliban leaders were once on the UN’s blacklist, yet instead of being tried in an international court, they were given support.
International Support for Women and Democratic Movements
One of Joya’s most important appeals to the international community was for support for the women of Afghanistan, who continue to fight for their rights under dire conditions. She called for global solidarity with the women of Afghanistan and proposed that foreign countries contribute by offering scholarships and supporting women’s movements within Afghanistan:
“Women of Afghanistan are not alone, but they need tangible support. Foreign countries can assist their resistance by accepting female students and offering refuge to women activists. Supporting women’s movements within the country is also essential.”
Joya also emphasized the urgent need to disarm the Taliban and to prosecute the group’s leaders in international courts:
“The Taliban is a violent, extremist terrorist group and must be disarmed. Its leaders, whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent people, must be tried in The Hague. Instead of them, we must support democratic forces and freedom movements especially those led by women both inside and outside Afghanistan so that a government based on justice and equality can be established.”
The Struggle Continues; The Path to Freedom Is Not Easy
In closing, Malalai Joya reaffirmed that freedom is never achieved without struggle and that the people of Afghanistan must unite and show courage to liberate themselves from oppression, tyranny, and colonialism. She said:
“Peace and freedom cannot be begged for; they must be fought for. Experience has shown that any peace tied to foreign interests is temporary and unstable. The people of Afghanistan must come to understand that the real enemy is not just the Taliban and warlords, but also global imperialism, NATO, and the United States, which all play a role in prolonging war and crisis in our country. Now is the time for the people to reject those who have tortured us under various names for the past four decades.”
Despite all threats, Malalai Joya continues to stand strong and has not abandoned the fight. Her voice echoes the voices of thousands of Afghan women and men who are striving for justice, freedom, and equality. Her struggle is not only for Afghanistan but for all those who stand against oppression and tyranny.
Malalai Joya is a political activist, writer, and former member of Afghanistan’s Parliament. She’s known for her outspoken criticism of warlords, the Taliban, and foreign interference in Afghanistan. Famous moment: In 2003, during the Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) to draft Afghanistan’s new constitution, she publicly criticized the presence of warlords, which gained her national and international attention.
Parliament: Elected to the Afghan Parliament in 2005 but was suspended in 2007 for her continued outspoken stance against warlords and corruption. Activism: Continues to advocate for human rights, especially women’s rights and education in Afghanistan. She Wrote “A Woman Among Warlords” (also titled “Raising My Voice”), a memoir detailing her life and political journey.
