For immediate release
October 22, 2001

WOMEN’S GROUP URGES PRIME MINISTER TO BECOME A WORLD LEADER IN PROTECTING AFGHANI WOMEN AND CHILDREN

A national women’s advocacy group has called upon Prime Minister Jean Chretien to take the lead in protecting women and children in Afghanistan.

Mothers Are Women (MAW) has sent a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to include the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), Afghanistan’s lead women’s organization, in efforts aimed at rebuilding of Afghanistan.

“It is the right time for Canada, with its experience in international peacekeeping, to take a leading role to help the people of Afghanistan build a society where all rights are respected,” says Lisa Menard, MAW spokesperson.

An official from the Prime Minister’s office responded to MAW’s letter, stating that MAW’s statements have been reviewed and are being forwarded to Minister John Manley, minister of foreign affairs.

Since the bombing of Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, there has been much discussion in the media about who will replace the Taliban. To date, no credible parties or organizations have been identified as a legitimate successor to the current regime.

“We are hopeful that the government of Canada will move forward as a world leader in recognizing RAWA as a legitimate political power in Afghanistan,” says Menard.

“By supporting and recognizing RAWA, the Canadian government is taking the lead in ensuring that the people of Afghanistan are given the opportunity to develop a system of governance that will create a prosperous, democratic and peaceful society.”

RAWA has been working for more than 20 years to improve the quality of life for Afghans and is a legitimate force for rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan.

RAWA, a self-described political/social organization of Afghan women struggling for peace, freedom, democracy, and women's rights in Afghanistan, provides education, job-learning skills, and organizes mobile medical teams to provide health care and medicine.

MAW is also seeking assurance from the Canadian government that the Northern Alliance, or any other ultra-fundamentalist factions, will not be installed as the next government of Afghanistan once the Taliban is removed.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented that the human rights records of the Northern Alliance and other groups, especially with respect to women, are equal to that of the Taliban.

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