For years, Afghanistan has been accused of human rights violations, gender discrimination and violence against women, and even terms such as genocide of ethnic minorities. In this article, we try to examine these accusations and analyze their validity with a critical eye.
Afghanistan and Baseless Accusations
Afghanistan, a country that has been a victim of war and foreign intervention for decades, is repeatedly accused of human rights violations, but to what extent do these accusations correspond to the realities of this country?!
Human rights violations, as one of the most important of these accusations, are often raised by exaggerating Afghanistan’s internal problems. Although no one can deny the existence of social and economic challenges in the country, many of these challenges are the result of foreign interventions, imposed wars, and political crises that have been exacerbated by major powers.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan has made great efforts in recent years to rebuild infrastructure, expand education, and strengthen the social system. However, these advances have largely remained hidden from the eyes of the international media, and a one-sided image of Afghanistan is presented as a country in crisis and a violator of human rights.
Gender discrimination; a global challenge, not only in Afghanistan
Another common accusation against Afghanistan is gender discrimination and violence against women, but is this an issue unique to Afghanistan?!
Afghan women, like many women around the world, face challenges such as social and economic restrictions, but these challenges are understandable due to traditional culture and the specific conditions of Afghanistan and require gradual reform.
In contrast, women living in Gaza, Yemen or Syria face much more serious problems. They are not only deprived of their civil rights, but their right to life is also being destroyed by military attacks and economic blockades. In Gaza, women and children are buried under rubble, and in Yemen, millions of women have fallen victim to hunger and war-related diseases. Why is the UN silent in the face of these tragedies and focuses only on Afghanistan?!
Contrary to the image presented in the media, Afghanistan has taken serious steps to empower women. Increasing literacy rates, women’s participation in various sectors and creating job opportunities are among these measures. However, one-sided narratives have caused these efforts to be ignored.
Hazara Genocide: A Baseless Allegation
The term "Hazara genocide" is one of the most serious accusations sometimes leveled against Afghanistan. This claim is not only unfounded, but also made for specific political and divisive purposes.
Afghanistan is a country with a rich ethnic and cultural diversity, and this diversity is an integral part of its national identity. The ethnic conflicts that have occurred throughout history have never reached a level that can be called genocide. Using this term only leads to an escalation of internal tensions and a weakening of national unity.
There is no evidence of an organized policy or plan to eliminate the Hazara or any other ethnic group in Afghanistan. The country has always tried to maintain peaceful coexistence between different ethnic groups.
UN Dual Policy
The UN's performance on human rights issues shows a selective and dual approach. In Afghanistan, the smallest social issues are highlighted as human rights violations, while blatant tragedies in other parts of the world are ignored.
This year, Gaza witnessed the killing of more than 50,000 people, including women and children. In Lebanon, more than 4,000 people were killed in attacks, and Syria continues to be a victim of war and foreign intervention. Are these tragedies any less important than what is happening in Afghanistan?! Why is the UN silent in the face of these tragedies?!
This double standard has eroded trust in the UN and transformed the lofty concepts of human rights into a tool serving the interests of great powers.
Final words
Human rights, if they are to have any real meaning, must be implemented fairly and impartially. Afghanistan, a country that has been the victim of war and foreign intervention for decades, should not always be presented as the accused.
Accusations such as human rights violations, gender discrimination, and genocide, when lacking evidence and documentation, only lead to further divisions in societies rather than reform.
The world today needs justice, honesty, and fairness more than ever. If the United Nations does not adhere to these principles, human rights will become an empty slogan. Only with a balanced and non-political approach can we hope that human rights will once again return to their true meaning and justice will be established on a global level.