T.O. 106: Support the October 7 International Day of Action in Defense of Afghan Women!

Dear Readers and Friends of The Organizer,

Please find below the latest press release from the International Committee for the Defence of Afghan Women.

It contains the proposal to organize on Saturday, October 7, in as many cities as possible around the world protests and rallies involving activists from different political backgrounds and affiliations to demand immediate asylum for the women activists persecuted in Afghanistan, and to express our solidarity with the Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women (SMAW) on placards, banners, and posters.

We ask you to take photos of these rallies and signature-gathering tabling. Please send them to the International Committee, with copies to <theorganizer@earthlink.net>.

Please confirm as soon as possible by e-mail to <theorganizer@earthlink.net> that you are willing and able to (1) organize and/or participate in an informational picket/informational table and (2) send a photo. 

At our tables we will have a petition urging passers-by and activists to support the embattled Afghan women. To learn more about this effort, please visit the International Committee’s website : https://defendafghanwomen.org/ and read up on its nine press releases.

One final word: It was our government that spear-headed the 20-year war and devastation of Afghanisatan in the name of “the fight against terrorism.” We have a special responsibility to defend all those in Afghanistan who were victimized by our government – especially the women – and who today are being subjected to the crimes of the Taliban with the complicity of the ‘International Community.”

We look forward to hearing from you ASAP,

In solidarity,

Mya Shone, Connie White, Millie Phillips, Coral Wheeler 

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APPEAL from The International Committee for the Defence of Afghan Women Press release no. 9 – 5 September 2023   We have just received this message from the Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women.   “The Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women would like to suggest to the International Committee for the Defence of Afghan Women that it organize campaigns, actions and rallies on 7 October 2023 throughout the world, in support of the rights of the Afghan women oppressed by the Taliban regime, and to put pressure on governments – particularly the major powers – to grant immediate and unconditional asylum to Afghan women and women activists who are being hunted down and threatened with death because they have dared to fight for their rights.   “Why 7 October? Because it is a painful date in the memory of the Afghan people. It was on 7 October 2001 that the government of the United States, leading a vast coalition of governments and NATO, launched its so-called ‘war on terror’ in Afghanistan, followed by twenty years of occupation during which the ‘mother of all bombs’ was used, causing the loss of tens of thousands of lives of men, women and children.   “In 2001, the US government overthrew the Taliban regime, handing power largely to the forces of the ‘Northern Alliance’, made up of religious fundamentalists, warlords, human rights abusers and war criminals. Then, on 15 August 2021, the US government reinstated the Taliban to power, who since then have continued to take measures that exclude women from all aspects of public life: they are banned from working, from getting an education, and even from walking in the street and in public places.   “Through the International Committee, we want to urge all human rights organizations, all defenders of women’s rights, all workers’ unions, all youth organizations and all conscientious individuals to support this international day of action on 7 October and to actively take part in it.   “The voices of oppressed Afghan women must be heard, and governments that claim to respect women’s rights must stop signing agreements and deals with the misogynist Taliban regime. The Taliban regime must not be supported either politically or financially, and should not under any circumstances be recognized. The women’s protest movement inside Afghanistan must be given help, and women who are threatened and in danger should immediately be granted asylum“.   We appeal to all those who support the International Committee for the Defence of Afghan Women and its activities, in particular those who have supported the two European tours of activists from the Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women.   Please answer the call from our sisters in Afghanistan!   Together, let us call rallies and pickets in scores of cities around the world on 7 October, gathering as many people as possible, in solidarity with their struggle.   On our banners, signs and posters let us demand that the governments of the major powers grant immediate and unconditional asylum to the Afghan women activists being threatened and persecuted.   …Then publish and circulate photos of these Saturday 7 October rallies all over the world and in Afghanistan, so that our sisters in Afghanistan and all those who support their struggle in their country know that they are not alone!   Rubina Jamil (Pakistan), Christel Keiser (France), for the International Committee   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  BREAKING NEWS Press release no. 9 – 5 September 2023   In France, after months of lobbying the authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied to the International Committee on 1 September. The response reads, in part: “You have made some interesting proposals that have attracted our full attention. I have therefore asked the teams responsible for monitoring Afghanistan at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to liaise with you to discuss these avenues.”   The French branch of the International Committee, made up of political and trade union activists, elected representatives, writers and other personalities, immediately contacted the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs to take further steps to secure asylum and refuge for our sisters being persecuted in Afghanistan.   This is yet further encouragement for the organizing of pickets in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan in every town in France on 7 October ** * * * * * ** * * * * * ** * * * * * To help this campaign Expand   You can support the International Committee for the Defence of Afghan Women by promoting its website: https://defendafghanwomen.org/ and its press releases.   Your financial donation can be made to the International Committee:   BY PAYPAL OR CREDIT CARD AT THE SITE:  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CE4H7EDN7FZZ4 BY BANK TRANSFER TO THE “Comité international de défense des femmes afghanes”  BIC/SWIFT : CMCIFR2A ; IBAN : FR76 1027 8060 5000 0213 5650 174   BY CHEQUE (in France), send your cheque to:  Comité international de défense des femmes afghanes 67, avenue Faidherbe 93100 Montreuil