Afghan human rights activist killed in suicide attack
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
The Hague, 31st January 2011
Afghan human rights activist killed in suicide attack
Press Conference concerning Condolence Ceremony of Prof. Hamida Barmaki
Gender Concerns International expresses its deepest condolences to the families and victims of the suicide-attack carried out on January 28th in the centre of Finest Store supermarket in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack resulted in at least six deaths and many people were injured. It is particularly saddened at the death in the attack of Professor Hamida Barmaki, a female Human Rights advocate and diligent member of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). She died along with five family members.
Hamida Barmaki was a member of the AIHRC and a lawyer. She worked tirelessly for the protection and promotion of children’s rights, in particular to rid the security services of child soldiers and child sexual abuse. In addition to her human rights commitments, Ms. Barmaki ran a charity programme providing free legal aid to the poor, a clear demonstration of her hopes for greater peace and justice in Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission is holding a Press Conference in Kabul on Tuesday 1st February concerning the Condolence Ceremony of Prof. Hamida Barmaki and her Family (and Victims of Suicide attack) and Condemning Stoning of Women. This occasion will not only honour her efforts and remember her contributions to Human Rights in Afghanistan, it will also raise Afghan women’s voices in support of a more peaceful and secure future.
Gender Concerns International, whilst sharing the sorrow of Hamida Baraki’s family and colleagues, strongly welcomes continued action to encourage Afghan women’s rights and thus supports tomorrow’s initiative by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Committee, and calls on the international community to contribute to make Afghanistan more secure and safe for both, women and men.
For further information please contact:
Philipp Schulz
Gender Concerns International
Phone: 00 31 (070) 4445082 Mobile: 0653965784
Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN, The Hague
Email: philipp@genderconcerns.org Site: http://www.genderconcerns.org