The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in a landmark finding that gender and nationality alone are “sufficient” grounds for refuge for Afghan women fleeing Taliban persecution. Austria denied refugee status to two Afghan women seeking protection in Europe.
Refugee status was granted by the ECJ because the Taliban’s gender discrimination was persecution. The verdict allows member states to examine Afghanistan’s general circumstances for women without needing individual persecution evidence upon return.
Two Afghan women, AH and FN, suffered harsh circumstances that led to this decision. One fled as a teenager after her father’s addiction threatened to sell her, while the other, born in Iran, had never lived in Afghanistan yet faced harsh education and rights restrictions. The court noted that transferring these ladies to Afghanistan would risk abduction and educational loss.
Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have already awarded Afghan women asylum; thus, the verdict is consistent. This ECJ opinion emphasizes the necessity for protection for Afghan women fleeing the Taliban’s clothing regulations and public segregation.
Image Credits: https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/401114/afghan-women-health-lives-brink.aspx
