Dear Chancellor Merz,
Dear Foreign Minister Wadephul,
Dear Interior Minister Dobrindt,
We, the undersigned organizations, view the current developments in Afghanistan with the utmost concern — particularly the gender apartheid. We address you with an urgent appeal not to tolerate the ongoing human rights violations there and to take a clear stand against the rulers in Afghanistan.
We urge you not to recognize the Taliban regime under any circumstances! Any form of legitimization of the Taliban’s de facto government is a betrayal of girls, women, and marginalized people in Afghanistan, and a reinforcement of the prevailing patriarchal system.
Despite the dire and inhumane situation in Afghanistan, you have recently accredited two representatives of the Taliban as diplomatic actors. This sends an alarming signal — recognition and immunity for a regime that seized power illegally and violently and continues to violate international human rights standards.
Our demands to you:
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- No legitimization of the Taliban regime: The Taliban’s effective control over Afghanistan currently appears largely consolidated. The German government must not accept this. Stand up for universal human rights and refuse to recognize the Taliban under any circumstances.
- Protection of people at risk, especially girls and women: There must be no deportations to Afghanistan. Likewise, no transfers to third countries where those affected continue to face systematic discrimination and violence.
- Recognition of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity: Gender apartheid must be included in the Convention on Crimes Against Humanity.
- Immediate admission of all people from Afghanistan, especially girls and women, who have received an admission commitment from Germany through the Federal Admission Program for Afghanistan. Current efforts must be intensified, and measures must be accelerated.
- Strengthening of civil society structures and international cooperation: The safety and protection of the Afghan population should be prioritized by international cooperation partners. Germany must advocate for the protection of human rights, access to education, and freedom of expression for all people in Afghanistan.
- Strengthening the future in Afghanistan: Convene an Afghanistan conference with Afghan women, marginalized Afghans, and experts from civil society.
