Among the signatories of the joint declaration are President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Speaker of the French Parliament Yawl Braun-Pivet, President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies Francina Armengol, etc.

The declaration carries the joint commitment to protect the rights of women wherever they are trampled and oppressed, the fight for equality, dignity and freedom, as a battle of all women for our common humanity.

It demands from the Taliban regime to repeal the “law on vices and virtues” and all other discriminatory laws banning women from raising their voice in public.

The declaration also notes that the situation of Afghan women will be on the agenda of discussions in the parliaments of these countries, led by women speakers.

“On ​​International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, we want to make a clear commitment: we will never abandon Afghan women. We will continue to be the voice of those whose mouths are shut. At all levels, the situation of Afghan women will be on the agenda of discussions in our Parliaments. The second Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, in Quebec, will also give us the opportunity to further strengthen our joint mobilization,” the joint declaration reads. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

It is a three-day summit (September 11-13) and is held under the auspices of the Albanian government through the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. And it is organized by “Women for Afghanistan (WFA)” in cooperation with the governments of Spain and Switzerland.

While delivering a greeting message to the summit, FM Hasani said that it is the first of this format and that it is held in Tirana.

The minister appreciated the summit as a historical event because, according to him, “It is the first time that such a large number of women activists from Afghanistan have gathered”.

“Since the Taliban regime came to power 3 years ago, we are witnessing how decades of progress achieved with hard efforts for gender equality are being destroyed day by day,” said Hasani.

The Albanian chief diplomat said that, “During the last 2 years, the Taliban have issued 70 decrees and instructions that turn women and girls into objects of systematic discrimination”.

“Under the Taliban regime, Afghanistan has become the only country in the world where girls are denied the right to attend secondary and higher education,” he added.

According to him, “The autonomy and existence of Afghan women and girls in society is at risk.”

Hasani emphasized that there cannot be a just human society that does not respect and watch over women’s rights.

About 100 Afghan women including Afghan women’s networks in different countries are participating in the three-day summit as a platform to build unity and a cohesive message and amplify their voices.

Also, the minister highlighted the fact that, “Albania is part of the international efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan”.

“Guaranteeing the rights of women and girls remains a priority of the Albanian government”, explained Hasani.

Hasani underlined that Albania in the Security Council is also focusing on the advancement of the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda, since according to him, “the responsibility to raise the voice is not only of Afghan women, but of all of us”. /p.s./

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani held a meeting with a delegation of Afghan women and girls headed by Fawzia Koofi, the former first deputy speaker of the Afghanistan’s Parliament.

During the meeting, it was agreed to coordinate and lobby for joint initiatives, using platforms where Albania is an active member, such as the UN Human Rights Council and the Feminist Foreign Policy Network./p.s./

President Begaj evaluated highly the State Department official for her and the United States’ commitment to protecting the human rights of women and girls not only in Afghanistan, but also for advancing a global agenda for the inclusion of women in the peace processes.

During the conversation, there was also highlighted Albania’s opening of doors to welcome Afghan refugees and treating them with dignity.

“We do not only offer shelter, but also opportunities for those who want to build a future here”, emphasized President Begaj, who guaranteed that Albania, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, will be protective and promoting of human rights. /r.e/p.s./

Hasani participated in the Ministerial on Addressing Systemic Gender-Based Discrimination of Women and Girls in Afghanistan held during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly and co-organized with the Global Center “Responsibility to protect” and Open Society “Initiative for Justice”.

In his speech, Hasani emphasized that, “We must do our best to guarantee a safer future for Afghan women and girls, to provide them with resources and expertise that helps rebuild their lives as well as to create a society where gender equality is not just a distant dream, but a tangible reality”.

Hasani expressed his happiness that together with colleagues from different countries of the world and the women representatives from Afghanistan discussed the steps through which the international community can provide support to improve the current situation, which is very disturbing./p.s./

Rama considers this a moment of pride for Albania.

In his statement, Infantino said that all European and American countries, North American countries, closed their doors, apologizing that they could not.

“We were able to rescue more than 160 girls and women, most of them from Afghanistan to Qatar. We did so because we were promised by many countries in our Western world, before we took them out, that they would of course welcome them. 160 and not 1600 or 16000. My feeling is that we were promised because they believed that we would not be able to get them out of the country. But, once we got them out of the country, thanks to the help of Qatar, we brought them to Doha and they stayed in one of the complexes that were built for the World Cup. All European countries and all American countries closed their doors saying sorry, we can’t, we can’t. The only country that said that we will bring them here because we know what it is to suffer and run away from your country was Albania. And my friend Edi Rama said that they are welcome here in Albania, where they can build a future. So, Albania opened its doors. Of all the countries, only Albania opened its doors to the Afghan refugees, who had to run away because they were playing football in Afghanistan,” said Infantino./a.jor/p.s./

Attending the event held at the premises of Shënkolli Academy, together with the Afghan delegation were the President of FSHF Armand Duka, member of the Executive Committee of FSHF Anila Basha, the football players of the Albanian Women’s National Team Megi Doçi, Luçije Gjini and Esi Lufo as well as representatives of the FSHF.

In his welcoming speech, President Duka expressed the readiness of the FSHF to support the Afghan Federation and the women team in order to feel better in Albania, creating the proper conditions to play football.

“I would be happier if I visited the girls and the Afghan federation in Afghanistan in normal conditions, because I am convinced that they are not very happy to have left their homeland for various political reasons or the ongoing conflict there “, said Duka.

On his part, the Secretary General of the Afghan Football Association Fazil Mohammad Shahab thanked President Duka and the FSHF for the hospitality and support given, as he expressed his readiness to continue the cooperation between the two federations.

“Albania is already like a second home for us. We feel very good here and thanks to the support of the FSHF and President Duka, there have been created all the proper conditions for us. It is difficult to be away from home, but we feel at home here in Albania,” Shahab said./p.s./

“A few days ago, while visiting the school “Father Zef Pllumi” in Shengjin, I asked a little Afghan girl where she would like to live the most. She replied with a smile: “Afghanistan, Albania, America” ​​and immediately threw herself into my arms for a hug. I was very proud of the hospitality that the 9-year-old Gulnaaz and her friends have found in our beloved Albania, and I am convinced that one day, when she grows up, she will return to visit with nostalgia the country that offered her shelter and warmth in the most difficult times of her homeland “, wrote Kushi./p.s./

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his thanks to the Albanian people for the hospitality:

“Happy to share that 212 Afghans arrived this morning from Albania to the U.S., their new home. To our newest neighbours: We welcome you and wish you the best in this new chapter. My special thanks to Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka and the Albanian people for hosting Afghan guests”, wrote Blinken in Twitter.

On her part, Albania’s FM Xhaçka emphasized that Albania is proud of its cooperation with the USA in this operation to rescue the Afghani allies.

“Thank you Secretary Blinken for making this possible. Albania is proud of its cooperation with the USA in this operation to save our Afghan allies when most of the world simply stayed away. A big thank you to all the amazing men and women who made it possible for so many Afghans to start a new life “, wrote Minister Xhaçka./p.s./

The exhibition was organized by the American Council as an expression of gratitude for the Albanian solidarity and hospitality, as well as the appreciation for the beauties of our country.

“Through photographs that showed Albania as seen from their eyes, the Afghan community showed us that despite their sacrifices and the pain of a new year away from home and their loved ones, the strength and courage to move forward, the love of beauty and life dominates “, said Gjonaj./r.e/p.s./