Amnesty condemns reported beheading in Afghanistan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 October 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Amnesty condemns reported beheading in Afghanistan, 18 October 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5089073bc.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 18, 2012
By RFE/RL
Amnesty International has condemned the reported beheading of a young Afghan woman in Herat Province for refusing to be forced into prostitution by her in-laws.
"The tragic fate of Mah Gul is one more incident that highlights the violent atmosphere that women and girls face in Afghanistan and the region," said Suzanne Nossel, Amnesty International USA executive director. "They are raped, killed, forced into marriage in childhood, prevented from obtaining an education and denied their sexual and reproductive rights. Until basic human rights are guaranteed to women and girls in the region, these horrible abuses will continue to be committed."
Nossel called on the Afghan government to enforce a 2009 law on eliminating violence against women, which the rights organization said is still only sporadically enforced.
Nossel said the international community "must play its part" to ensure women's rights are respected as Afghanistan assumes responsibility for its security.
International combat forces are scheduled to leave the country by the end of 2014, handing over control to Afghan security forces.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
