The killing of civilians, especially women and children, should not be used as a weapon for gaining point scoring in peace talks.

Afghan Women’s Network Press Release:

July 2, 2019

Kabul - Afghanistan

Serial Number: 88

The killing of civilians, especially women and children, should not be used as a weapon for gaining point scoring in peace talks.

The Afghan Women's Network, as one of the largest women right organization supporting women's rights in the country is calling for an immediate ceasefire and civilian’s protection by the both parties. Yesterday attacks of Taliban in Kabul killed and wounded dozens of Afghan citizens, including children and women, while protecting civilians, especially children and women in armed combat, is an important Islamic principle. Targeting civilians and creation of fear among people should not be used as point scoring weapon in peace talks. Whenever the parties are involved in combat, demands of concession in peace talks, the competition should be in providing the welfare and comfort of the people, not in killing and bleeding of civilians.

The Afghan Women's Network calls on all national and international stakeholders to emphasize on ceasefire during Doha summit which held next week, and emphasize to protect civilians, in particular women and children, and employee’s as one of the priorities and preconditions for peace talks.