KABUL, 26 January 2022, (TON): Representatives of Afghan women’s rights in a meeting with the delegation of the Islamic Emirate in Oslo called for girls’ schools to be reopened and for the inclusion of women in the government.

The closed-door meeting was attended by six women’s rights defenders, seven politicians and a high-profile journalist as well as the 15-member delegation of the Islamic Emirate.

During her speech at the meeting, Huda Khamosh called on the Islamic Emirate to release the women protesters who were allegedly detained by the current Afghan government. She presented the participants with a proposal formed by the Afghan civil society community and women’s rights activists.

Khamosh urged the UN to monitor the human rights situation in Afghanistan. The proposal of the women’s representatives in Oslo are as follows, “formation of an independent council by the UN to monitor the human rights status in Afghanistan.”

“Formation of a roadmap for resolving the political issues via the people. Respecting the rights of citizens, particularly the right to work, to receive an education, and to enjoy freedom of speech. The Islamic Emirate is committed to the constitution.”

Nazifa Jalali, a women’s rights defender said “some important matters including human rights, women’s rights and problems that exist in the private sector were discussed.”

The US special envoy for Afghanistan Thomas West tweeted from Oslo, saying he welcomed Norway’s taking the initiative to hold a meeting between the Islamic Emirate delegation and the Afghan civil society leaders.