EU criticizes Afghan draft law on women's rights
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 February 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, EU criticizes Afghan draft law on women's rights, 11 February 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5331456614.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. |
February 11, 2014
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has expressed concern about proposed Afghan legislation that rights groups say would not protect women from domestic violence and forced marriage.
Ashton said in a statement that if the bill is signed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, it will make it harder to prosecute people in domestic violence and child-abuse cases.
She added that it would prevent alleged abusers' relatives from testifying in court as prosecution witnesses.
Ashton called the draft law a "serious backward step" for women's rights in Afghanistan.
The parliament passed the "criminal procedure law" last year.
New York-based Human Rights Watch called last week for Karzai to send the bill back to legislators with amendments.
A Karzai spokesman said he could not comment on the president's intentions.
Based on reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
