EVACUATED FROM THE TALIBAN, DEACTIVED IN NORWAY?
What is happening to Afghan human rights defenders?
It has been a year since the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan following 20 years of NATO and Western military presence. To strengthen women’s rights was a spoken goal for the Western engagement in Afghanistan. Several female human rights defenders were trained and encouraged to actively participate in society. Women were voted into Parliament and had prominent positions in politics and the community.
The dramatic takeover by the Taliban in August last year created a dangerous situation for those who were active in civil society, but also for journalists, judges, lawyers, those working in the public sector or independent institutions, political activists, and especially for women.
Many fled and many were evacuated to Western countries. Some of the evacuees came to Norway as part of the Norwegian priority on protection of human rights defenders at risk and as part of the Norwegian ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. In accordance with Norwegian refugee- and integration policy, they were settled across the country, far away from each other and far away from the professional environments that could be potential partners in continuing their work for human rights in Afghanistan – from Norway.
Several of the evacuated experienced deactivation following their arrival in Norway. The transition was big from a life as a politically active human rights defender to life in a small city in Norway with limited possibilities for travel and participation, both with Norwegian organizations and institutions, and as part of a larger international network.
We invite you to a conversation on how Afghan human rights defenders and political refugees can continue their engagement from Norway. Politicians, people working on the Norwegian priority on Women, Peace and Security, and Afghan human rights defenders participate in the conversation alongside representatives from Norwegian organizations.
The conversation will be facilitated by Hasina Shirzad and Norunn Grande, Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue.
Rullestoltilpasset lokale
