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Forced chastity
tests are common, rights activists say
by: Kylie Morris
BBC Kabul
Correspondent
An international human rights group
says women and girls continue to suffer extreme repression in parts of
Afghanistan. Human Rights Watch says it has evidence of mounting abuses,
harassment and restrictions of women's rights.
Much of the latest Human Rights
Watch report focuses on life for the women of Herat in western
Afghanistan, but warns that the situation there is symptomatic of
developments across the country. It speaks of police abuse, forced
chastity tests and restrictions reminiscent of the Taleban.
Testimony
The Human Rights Watch report concedes that women's and girls' rights
have improved since the demise of the Taleban, with many now allowed to
return to school and university. However it documents growing repression
in social and political life.
In Herat, it says, religious police, government officials and squads of
schoolboys monitor women and girls' behaviour and appearance.
The report cites the use of local
television and newspapers by the governor to set standards.
Freedom of movement is restricted and when they do leave their homes,
women and older girls must wear the all-encompassing burqa, or chowdra.
The group has documented testimony from citizens of Herat that women and
girls who walk with men on the street, ride with them in cars, or even
if alone with them in private homes, have been arrested. That arrest can
be followed by a gynecological examination to determine whether they
have recently had sex, or to test for virginity.
Return to school
Human Rights Watch accuses the international community of
double-standards by justifying the war against the Taleban in part by
promising liberation to Afghan women and then supporting warlords and
commanders who abuse women's rights.
The Herat governor, Ismail Khan, has in the past defended the position
of women in his province, saying that more girls have returned to school
in Herat than anywhere else in Afghanistan.
He said that women are working in senior roles within the government and
for banks, as well as for international agencies. Ismail Khan insists
women have a good chance in Herat and they have institutions to help
them.
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