Edit Schlaffer

To link Afghanistan to the actions of the Taliban is a disservice to the sacrifices made over the past 20 years. Just as the Taliban’s war is not our war, our country and its people should not be defined or labeled by the atrocities the Taliban commit. Despite being in more than 50 years of conflict, Afghanistan and its people have continued to stand tall and be steadfast in upholding universal values. Afghanistan itself is a victim of the Taliban and of the international community’s failed policies. state.gov/releases/offic…

Today marks 25 years since the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyan by the Taliban, one of the most devastating acts against cultural heritage in recent history. Carved into the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley more than 1,500 years ago, the Buddha statues of Bamyan stood as powerful symbols of Afghanistan’s rich history, a crossroads of civilizations, cultures, and beliefs along the Silk Road. For centuries, they reflected the country’s deep traditions of diversity, coexistence, and cultural exchange. In March 2001, the Taliban deliberately destroyed these monumental statues, despite widespread international appeals to preserve them. Their demolition was not only the loss of two extraordinary works of art, but also an attempt to erase memory, identity, and the shared heritage of humanity. Yet the empty niches in the cliffs of Bamyan continue to speak. They remind the world that culture cannot be erased by violence, and that protecting cultural heritage is inseparable from protecting human dignity and history. Twenty-five years later, we remember the Buddhas of Bamyan not only as masterpieces of world heritage, but also as enduring symbols of resilience and of Afghanistan’s profound and diverse cultural legacy that belongs to all humanity.

Yesterday, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Afghanistan co-organized, together with Finland in its capacity as Chair of the Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, a special meeting at @OSCE in Vienna to examine the long-term impact of bans on girls’ education on the security and stability of Afghanistan and the wider region. I was honoured to contribute to this important discussion alongside Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Chair of the Asian Partners for Co-operation Group and Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE; ISCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu; and Nicolas Plattner representing the Swiss Chairpersonship. The discussion, moderated by Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni @TinaGjermeni, Chair of the OSCE Human Dimension Committee, featured valuable insights from @SR_Afghanistan Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan; @Metra_Mehran Human Rights activist; Dr. Lara Scarpitta Senior Adviser on Gender Issues at OSCE; and Dr. Edith Schlaffer of @WomenWB. Our discussion highlighted an urgent reality: the systematic exclusion of Afghan girls and women from education is not only a grave violation of human rights, but also a structural challenge with profound long-term implications for Afghanistan’s stability, development, and regional security. Thank you to Finland and all Asian Partners and participants for engaging in this important dialogue. The message remains clear: Afghanistan cannot achieve stability and prosperity while half of its population is denied the right to education.

"My courage comes from my sisters, from Afghanistan." As European countries quietly move to normalize cooperation with the Taliban, Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari continues to represent Afghans from Vienna, Austria, against the Taliban’s orders.

“‘Death to America,’ the Ayatollah and his minions chant. The people of Iran will have to win their own freedom, but this is an historic moment when America can help them topple a dangerous tyranny.” @WSJopinion⁩ wsj.com/opinion/iran-r…

Statement of Solidarity with the People of Iran Issued by Women Nobel Peace Prize Laureates To the Iranian people, we echo that “Your struggle carries meaning far beyond Iran’s borders. You are not alone. Your courage inspires all, and your resistance strengthens the global struggle for human rights , democracy and peace. We stand with you in solidarity”. Read More : narges.foundation/statement-of-s… #Iran #Womanlifefreedom #NargesMohammadi #FreeNarges

This morning I addressed the Beijing+30 Regional Review on accelerating Gender Equality. A lot has been achieved since 1995 and the Beijing Declaration. But progress is stagnating. We need more determination to pushback on pushback against women’s right and #genderequality. #IPU

It is nearly five months since @matiullahwesa is aribitrarily arrested and unlawfully detained by the Taliban. His only crime is campaigning for education in the most peaceful way possible. #releasematiullahwesa immediately

4/4 ⬆️by host states under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, its Protocol, and applicable regional & national legislation. This recognition underscores the urgent need to provide protection and support to the women of Afghanistan seeking refuge from persecution.

3/3 ⬆️Justice must prevail for the countless women and girls who are suffering under gender persecution in Afghanistan. Additionally, the report highlights that gender persecution can serve as grounds for women to apply for or be granted refugee status ⬇️

1/4 The latest report released by @SR_Afghanistan and the @UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls takes a crucial step by recognizing that the elements of #GenderPersecution are present, classifying it as a systematic and grave violation of human rights & a⬇️

Afghanistan's 'Gender Apartheid' Should Be International Crime: UN Expert barrons.com/news/afghanist…

Gender-based violence #GBV is unacceptable anywhere & particularly within schools 🚫 Register for @UNESCO & @UNGEI's event on 22 June to dive into the importance of considering gender perspectives in efforts to prevent & respond to school violence 🗓️ unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

H.E. Ahmed AlQasimi had the pleasure of hosting H.E. Dr. Arnold Kammel, Secretary General and Defence Policy Director at the Federal Ministry of Defence of Austria, and H.E. Dr. Etienne Berchtold, Ambassador of #Austria to the UAE on a visit that signaled to the pragmatic values of Hedayah's programs that foster social cohesion and the indispensable nature of international cooperation in countering violent extremism and radical ideology. @MFA_Austria @uaeinvienna

Amb Hamad Alkaabi met today with Dr Edith Schlaffer, founder & chair of @WwB_SAVE & Ms Laura Kropiunigg, executive director, to discuss cooperation opportunities in the areas of combating extremism & empowering women

Speaking at @nimaisb on #WorldEnvironmentDay2023, Minister @sherryrehman said, “You can’t police behavior change. Instead, it is a collective responsibility for all individuals to embrace. We need to go back to the old sustainable habits of our elders so we can move forward.”

Meet the Five Women Ambassadors currently sitting on the Security Council. They represent 🇲🇹 🇨🇭 🇦🇪 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 and share some views on Leadership and commitment to Women, Peace and Security. #UNSC #WPS #FabFive

4/4 and empowerment of all individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind. Afghanistan stands firmly committed to promoting a society where human rights flourish, and where women and girls can thrive, free from discrimination and violence.

3/4 we cannot overlook the pressing human rights crisis unfolding in Afghanistan, particularly impacting the lives of women and girls. As we celebrate this anniversary, let us remember that there is still much work to be done. Together, we must continue advocating for the rights

1/4 I am honored to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights. This landmark event held in Vienna three decades ago paved the way for significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.