European Parliament organise a series of events to shine a light on the dire situation faced by women in Afghanistan. Parliament’s “Afghan Women Days” kick off with a high-level conference opened by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament in the Hemicycle in Brussels. The transcription has been generated automatically. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Brussels

conference

EU - Afghanistan (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

High-level Conference on Afghan Women: Solemn opening by Roberta Metsola, EP President

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/9421018/1643883509618_I217411Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Good afternoon. With their talent, their devotion, their love for their country, they have been contributing to a vibrant Afghan society and culture. Now they are being humiliated, they are starving, they are sold like merchandise. They are banned from education. They are erased from public life. Their very lives are threatened. Many were driven into exile. Most, however, could not escape. They are now looking with fear and despair into their future, yet they continue fighting for it. Yet they still sustain hope.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Hope in Afghanistan, a country lying along historic trading routes sought for centuries as a prise by Empire builders and armies, each leaving traces of their efforts and each living ruins hope and humanity's ability to build a better future. In spite of the fact that the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power last year is extremely worrying. Dear honourable guests, dear members, dear colleagues, honoured Afghan women, I warmly welcome you to the European Parliament's Afghan women days. We hold this event to give Afghan women and girls a voice in our house and to honour and support the human rights work achieved by the twenty one Afghan women finalists for the Sakharov Prise, whom, fortunately for us, will participate with us today and tomorrow in discussions about the situation of Afghan women.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Together, we will seek ways to help both those on the ground and those who have been forced to flee from their homes. These prominent Afghan women and influencers will share their message about how they work tirelessly to build an equal, more inclusive Afghan society. I reiterate this house's support to Afghan women both in their country and abroad. We will listen. We will learn and we will act.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, The Taliban had promised a change from their first period of rule, a change that respected women's rights. They promised no animosity. However, what we are witnessing is a change from a thriving society to one in free fall. As we speak, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Afghanistan with the Taliban seising power, the human rights situation in the country deteriorated drastically, especially for women and girls. Years of progress in gender equality, gains for women's and women and girls, their access to education, health care and participation in civic and political life. Have been abandoned in favour of further deprivation and subjugation. With their actions, the Taliban prevent women's meaningful participation in society. We see violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, systematic gender based discrimination, the disappearance of women activists and the silencing of journalists.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Our parliament has taken a very clear stance on this. In a recent resolution, we insist that the right to education and employment, freedom from gender based violence, the protection of fundamental rights of women, access to healthcare and participation in decision making must be key demands of the international community directed at the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, These are not just goals and values that we in the European Union hold dear. These are universal goals of human dignity. The European Union has defined respect for human rights, in particular women's rights, the rule of law and freedom of the media as key conditions for and for engagement with the current Afghan authorities. Facing the dire humanitarian situation, the European Parliament supports the humanitarian corridors for the provision of food, water, sanitation and medication to the people of Afghanistan.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We also reiterate that the immediate needs of Afghan women and girls need to be priority in the context of humanitarian aid. Our commitments are to the people of Afghanistan and not to its rulers. We also emphasised the need to ensure that women and young girls who have left Afghanistan can continue their education in other countries. We encourage the development of innovative ways to empower Afghan women, including by providing scholarships to study at European schools and universities. I look forward to this very creative programme of these Afghan women days, like the graffiti work of Shamsher Hosseiny, like the songs of Ariana said, like the photographs of Fatima Hosseini. They reflect the fear but also the strength, the hopes and beauty of Afghan women.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, During these days, we, the European Parliament, are here to show our solidarity with Afghan women parliamentarians and Afghan women artists, journalists and activists in exile to help them raise their voices higher. We will hear your testimonials, your work, your films, your music. Teach us that although there is a time for weeping, there is also a time for standing up against injustice. Your resilience is more than exemplary. You are an inspiration to me and you are an inspiration to everyone. It fills me with optimism to see you all. Our colleagues also committed to participate jointly in Afghan women days. The women and girls of Afghanistan deserve respect of their dignity and of their fundamental rights. And let me assure you that you can count on this European Parliament to help make that a reality. Thank you for coming to share with us. It is truly an honour.