NZAWJ statement in support of Afghanistan

Te Kāhui Kaiwhakawā Wāhine o Aotearoa / New Zealand Association of Women Judges  stands by our sister and brother judges in Afghanistan, who at this moment are in very  grave danger. We support the recent statement from the President of the IAWJ, Justice Susan Glazebrook which can be found here.

Under the former Taliban rule women, girls and other minorities were severely  oppressed. This has changed in the last 20 years because Afghanistan has been working  towards becoming a democratic society, with respect for human rights and the rule of  law. During that time at least 250 women have become judges. Through their work  they have contributed to the aspiration of a just and safe society and protected the  rights of all Afghan citizens. They have fulfilled their duty to provide better access to  justice for all citizens and stronger protection from violence against women. We have  been honoured to hear the courageous contributions of Afghan women judges at IAWJ  and regional conferences around the world.  

With the return of Taliban rule, we are extremely concerned for the safety of the  Afghan judges, in particular the women judges and their families. In January this year 2  women judges, the Hon. Fazia Herawi and the Hon. Quadria Yashini were killed as they  were being driven to work in their official vehicle. A third woman judge, and the driver  were wounded in the attack. Many women judges have received threats. They fear that  they will be targeted for doing their job in the courts trying to bring safety and security  to the people. Their fear is very real.

Te Kāhui Kaiwhakawā Wāhine o Aotearoa/NZAWJ strongly supports our colleagues in  Afghanistan and joins the statement from Justice Susan Glazebrook, President of IAWJ,  urging the New Zealand Government to take action to assist in the safe evacuation of the judges and their families and other at risk groups from this situation. We join the  many voices urging governments to do all they can to protect the rights of women and  girls who remain in Afghanistan to live full and successful lives in safety and security.  

 Mary O’Dwyer, President NZAWJ  

 Nicky Mathers, Asia/Pacific Regional Director IAWJ