Miller-Meeks Introduces Resolution to Stand Up for Women and Girls in Afghanistan

Press Release

Last week, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) introduced H.Res. 694, a resolution in the House of Representatives condemning the human rights violations targeted toward women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

"The brave men and women serving in Afghanistan over the last 20 years did not sacrifice so much to see all of their hard work and progress collapse in a matter of weeks. It should come as no surprise that the Taliban has begun to infringe on the rights of Afghan women and girls," said Miller-Meeks. "All women and girls should have the right to liberty, freedom of movement, education, self-expression, and employment and Congress should immediately work to preserve these rights."

"Today I urge Congress to officially condemn the recent oppression of women, girls, and religious minority groups in Afghanistan," said Norman. "I maintain that the safety of Afghan civilians, especially those who are most vulnerable, remain a critical concern. Congress should condemn the Taliban's actions and be devoted to preserving the dignity of all Afghan citizens."

"It is heartbreaking to witness the violence and oppression Afghan women and girls endure under Taliban control," said Bice. "We must do all that we can to protect them during this extremely volatile time."

Background:

The Taliban has publicly claimed a more "progressive" view toward women's rights, but the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has received credible reports of serious violations of international human law and human rights taking place in many areas under Taliban control. These violations include executions of civilians and members of the Afghan national security forces, restricting the rights of women and girls to move around freely and attend schools, recruitment of child soldiers, and repression.

H.Res. 694 would:

Condemn any actions taken by any terrorist organization or form of government in Afghanistan to oppress women and girls.
Demand the Taliban regime preserve and advance the right to liberty, freedom of movement, education, self-expression, and employment for all women and girls, guided by international human rights principles.
Recognize that the protection of civilians, especially women and girls, and religious minority groups in Afghanistan remains of paramount concern both domestically and internationally.

Source