Expanding global solidarity with Afghan women; South African activists emphasize continued support
A delegation from the Afghan People’s Court for Women met with a number of civil society activists, anti-apartheid activists, academics, and human rights organizations in South Africa during a five-day visit to the country and discussed the human rights situation and women’s rights in Afghanistan.
According to a statement released by the Tolerance Human Rights Organization, the visit took place from May 25 to 29, and the members of the delegation held several meetings with representatives of South African civil society and human rights organizations in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
During these meetings, the members of the Afghan People’s Court for Women delegation explained the current situation of Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule and called for increased international solidarity, support for Afghan women’s struggles, and exchange of experiences in the field of justice and human rights.
According to the delegation, the reception and interest of South African institutions and personalities in the Afghan human rights crisis has been impressive and promising. Activists and participating institutions have also emphasized continued cooperation and support for the efforts of Afghan women to achieve justice and fundamental rights.
The statement states that the historical experience of the South African people in the fight against the apartheid system and the country’s prominent role in supporting international justice have provided a suitable basis for establishing broader cooperation in supporting Afghan women. The members of the delegation described the visit as an important step towards forming a global coalition against what they called “the Taliban’s systematic oppression and discrimination.”
The Tolerance Institute, which was responsible for coordinating and organizing the program, announced that it is implementing more programs in cooperation with South African human rights partners to develop relations and strengthen cooperation between activists, academics, and human rights organizations in the two countries.
The People’s Court for Afghan Women was established in 2025 in cooperation with four human rights organizations, including the Tolerance Institute. The first hearings of this court were held in October of that year in Madrid, Spain, and its purpose is to document and investigate violations of the rights of Afghan women and girls.
Reporter Shahbanu Noori
Expanding global solidarity with Afghan women; South African activists emphasize continued support
