Dialogue Hub

On the Human Rights Implications of Proposed EU–Taliban Engagement in Brussels:  Read more on our website: dialogue-hub.org/documents/on-t…

X Space Discussion – World Press Freedom Day (Dialogue Hub #5) A multi-stakeholder X Space was organized on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (3 May) by Dialogue Hub, EUHope e.V., Women’s Justice Movement, EVE, and the Self-Organized Afghan Women’s Movement, bringing together journalists, media experts, and human rights defenders from inside and outside Afghanistan. Key Takeaways: 1: Afghanistan’s media sector is facing a severe crisis of censorship, fear, and institutional collapse 2: Around 40–50% of media outlets have shut down since 2021 (UNESCO data) 3: At least five journalists are currently in detention: Bashir Hatif, Shakib Ahmad Nazari, Abu Zar Sarpali, Wahid Farhadi, Aziz Watandost 4 Women journalists are disproportionately affected, with severe restrictions on work and visibility 5: The media sector is also suffering from a deep economic crisis, leading to unemployment and forced migration Call to Action: Participants emphasized urgent international action for: 1: Immediate release of detained journalists 2: Protection of journalists at risk 3: Sustainable support for independent and women-led media 4: Restoration of press freedom and access to information in Afghanistan The discussion highlighted one clear message: Without independent media, there is no accountability, no transparency, and no public voice. Especial Thanks to the panelists & guests and Moderators. @sashna111 @Saeed_Shinwarai @LinaRozbih @NajibPaikan @farahnazyousuf1 @NHamidi15253 @EUHopeverein @HamasaBadakhsh1 @HodaKhamosh @wjmglobal @NiloParsa5

Official Statement Condemning the Brutal Killing of Farzana and Calling for Justice: Dialogue Hub expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the brutal killing of Farzana an 18 year old woman from Pasaband District Ghor Province Afghanistan According to initial reports Farzana who had been married for only one year and was the mother of a young child died as a result of severe physical assault and burns caused by boiling water Reports indicate that several individuals including her husband Dr Mohibullah and members of his family were involved in this crime If confirmed this act constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights including the right to life human dignity and freedom from torture and cruel inhuman treatment This shocking incident reflects the systemic nature of violence against women in Afghanistan where many victims suffer in silence without access to justice Dialogue Hub emphasizes that such crimes must not go unanswered We call for the following actions A thorough transparent and impartial investigation into this case Prosecution of all perpetrators in accordance with applicable laws Protection and support for surviving family members especially her child Concrete measures to prevent violence against women through reform and public awareness Dialogue Hub believes that justice for Farzana is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility and silence in the face of such crimes only perpetuates violence.

A message from Richard Bennett, United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. @hodakotb @SR_Afghanistan @UN @heatherbarr1 @FereshtaAbbasi

A Hopeful Step Forward for Afghan Women in Football⚽️! The recent decision by FIFA marks a powerful and encouraging moment for Afghan women in sport. By enabling Afghan female players including members of the Afghan Women United squad to represent their country in official international competitions, a long-awaited door has been opened. At Dialogue Hub, we warmly welcome this important step. It is more than a regulatory change; it is a recognition of resilience, courage, and the unwavering spirit of Afghan women footballers who have continued to pursue their dreams despite immense challenges. We commend these talented athletes for their dedication and strength. Your journey inspires not only the next generation of Afghan girls but also communities around the world who believe in equality, opportunity, and the transformative power of sport. We wish you continued success on the global stage. May this milestone be the beginning of many victories both on and off the field. ⚽️⚽️⚽️ @fifamedia @FIFAMuseum @FIFAcom #AfghanWomen #FootballForAll #DialogueHub #FIFA

Join us for3rd May International Press Day on May 2nd, 2026. To participate in this important discussion, please register using the link below. Once you complete your registration, the program link will be sent directly to you. Registration link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… Webinar language: English We look forward to your participation! @sashna111 @NHamidi15253 @ToobaLutfi @S_Karokhail @danish_shogofa @LNajafizada @MeetraQ @Artemis_akbary @EUHopeverein @Saeed_Shinwarai

The removal of topics such as social relations, society’s need for peace, and human rights from the curriculum is deeply concerning. Reports indicate that instructors have been instructed by the Ministry of Education to omit these subjects, raising serious questions about the direction of current educational policies. Education is not only about academic knowledge it is about building understanding, encouraging dialogue, and preparing students for a peaceful and responsible society. Subjects like social relations, peace, and human rights are essential for developing empathy, critical thinking, and social awareness. Excluding these topics risks narrowing students’ worldview and limiting their understanding of values that are fundamental to peaceful coexistence and human dignity. A sustainable society cannot be built without education that promotes peace, human rights, and social understan @UN @UNICEF @educationweek @Malala @MalalaFund

Save the date — May 3rd. Join us for “Dialogue Series #2” on International Press Freedom Day, bringing together journalists and media voices to discuss the future of press freedom and the power of independent media. Be part of the conversation on May 3rd at 17:00 CET. @RoshanianFatima @sashna111 @LinaRozbih @Saeed_Shinwarai @NajibPaikan @NHamidi15253 @farahnazyousuf1 @HujatullahMuja6 @HujatullahMuja5 @EUHopeverein @NiloParsa5 @wjmglobal 🔗 Program link: x.com/i/spaces/1pjdr…

Mr. Neshat, continuing his remarks, emphasized that if a common ground is established among Afghanistan’s democratic forces, and they reach mutual understanding and unity, it is then that they will be able to successfully rally the support of the international community. @MosaicGFdn @ZalNishat @HodaKhamosh @wjmglobal @NiloParsa5 @ZahraHaqparast @HamasaBadakhsh1

Mr. Omar Sadr highlights an important reality: Muslim communities have the power to exert meaningful pressure on the Taliban. Yet unfortunately, many of these communities especially those in direct contact with the Taliban or visiting Afghanistan end up endorsing their policies instead of holding them accountable. Silence or approval both come at a cost: they ignore the suffering of millions. This is a moment that calls for responsible voices voices that stand for justice, education, human dignity, and women’s rights. Afghanistan is not alone but solidarity only matters when it is grounded in truth, honesty, and accountability. @OmarSadr @ZalNishat @FamNawabi @MosaicGFdn @wjmglobal @FoundationUlama @AlAzhar @TariqJamilOFCL @RahmatAndar1 @MajeedQarar @HodaKhamosh @HamasaBadakhsh1 @NiloParsa5 #Afghanistan #Justice #HumanRights #StandForTruth

In this webinar, Ms. Farima Nawabi, a former diplomat and women’s rights advocate, emphasizes the importance of building strong alliances among Afghan women and deepening engagement with international policymakers. She stresses that such unity is essential to ensure Afghan women’s voices are heard and represented on the global stage. She also highlights: “We, Afghan women, must build a strong and serious coalition.” Watch the video to learn more. @ZalNishat @FamNawabi @OmarSadr @NiloParsa5 @HodaKhamosh @MosaicGFdn @wjmglobal @HamasaBadakhsh1 @NawabiFrozan @bn_yaqoobi

Remarks by Zalmai Neshat in the webinar “Afghan Women Deserve Solidarity, Protection, and Action, Not Abandonment. @ZalNishat @wjmglobal @HodaKhamosh @AfghanistanMSO @MosaicGFdn

@MumtazNikzad We will share the webinar paper and guests speeches soon

@DialogueHub1 How can we watch the reply?

Afghan women deserve solidarity, protection, and action, not abandonment. Join us for an important dialogue on the ongoing struggles of Afghan women and the urgent need for global solidarity, protection, and meaningful action. This conversation brings together leading voices in diplomacy, political analysis, media, and women’s rights advocacy to discuss the realities facing women in Afghanistan and the responsibility of the international community. 🗓 Saturday, 18 April 2026 🕔 17:00 (Europe Time) 🕗 20:00 (Pakistan Time) 🕢 19:30 (Afghanistan Time) 🕚 11:00 AM (Washington DC) Hosted by: Dialogue Hub |Women Justice Movement | International Network in Support of Afghanistan’s Women #AfghanWomen #StandWithAfghanWomen #HumanRights #WomenRights #Afghanistan #GlobalSolidarity #Justice #ActionNotAbandonm @ZalNishat @FamNawabi @OmarSadr

In a webinar titled“Afghan Women Deserve Solidarity, Protection, and Action, Not Abandonment,”hosted by the, Dialogue Hub, Women Justice Movement and the International Network in Support of Afghan Women, we had a valuable opportunity to discuss one of the most complex crises of our time the state of human rights, particularly women’s rights, in Afghanistan. The event, held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, brought together diverse perspectives from diplomatic, political, and civil society spheres.Zulmai Nishat, Farima Nawabi, and Omar Sadr joined as speakers, with Forozan Amiri moderating the discussion. Several key points emerged from the conversation: First, Afghanistan remains at the intersection of competing geopolitical interests, and the lack of a unified international approach has pushed human rights especially women’s rights down the list of global priorities. Second, despite both domestic and international pressure, restrictions imposed on women have not only persisted but intensified. The concept of “gender apartheid” was discussed as an important analytical framework, though it still requires broader understanding and recognition, particularly inside Afghanistan. Third, participants emphasized that the continued advocacy and resistance of Afghan women have played a crucial role in preventing the normalization and international legitimization of the Taliban. However, these efforts need stronger, more coordinated global support, including clearer narratives and sustained alliances. The webinar concluded with a clear message:Without genuine solidarity, concrete action, and coordinated international pressure, meaningful and lasting change in Afghanistan will remain difficult to achieve. #AfghanWomen #HumanRights #Afghanistan #GenderApartheid #Solidarity @ZalNishat @OmarSadr @FamNawabi @HodaKhamosh @NazifaJalali2 @HamasaBadakhsh1 @wjmglobal @MosaicGFdn