Chairman McCaul’s remarks at the roundtable on the crisis facing Afghan women and girls highlight the dire situation and human rights abuses that have occurred since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. He expresses concern over the Taliban’s restriction of women’s rights and the erosion of nearly 20 years of progress in women’s rights in Afghanistan. Chairman McCaul mentions various oppressive measures imposed by the Taliban, including the ban on girls attending school beyond the 6th grade, restrictions on women’s employment in NGOs and the United Nations, limitations on public life, mandatory face coverings, and the requirement of male escorts. He emphasizes that Afghan women and girls who defy these edicts face severe consequences such as flogging, stoning, torture, and sexual assault.
Chairman McCaul also highlights the efforts made to evacuate at-risk Afghan allies, particularly women and children, as they remain unsafe under Taliban rule. He mentions the chaotic scenes during the fall of Kabul, where congressional offices turned into impromptu State Departments to help facilitate evacuations. He recalls assisting Ambassador Roya Rahmani and her family, as well as sharing an anecdote about music students from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music who were unable to evacuate but later found safety in Portugal.
Chairman McCaul acknowledges the success stories of those who were able to escape but emphasizes that there are many more women and girls living under Taliban rule, enduring unimaginable circumstances. He assures that the committee will do everything possible to assist Afghan women and girls and hold the Taliban accountable for their human rights abuses.
In conclusion, Chairman McCaul expresses his gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to facilitate evacuations, particularly highlighting the efforts to prioritize the safety of women and children. He reaffirms the committee’s commitment to addressing the crisis and protecting the rights of Afghan women and girls.
