Afghan Activist Husna Jalal Urges World to Back Young Rights Defenders

Geneva (GNP): Afghan women’s rights activist Husna Jalal has warned that human rights are in grave danger under Taliban rule. She is calling for stronger international support to protect education and empower young Afghans facing restrictions.

Jalal spoke at a UN Watch side event held during the 63rd session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council. She said human rights education must continue beyond traditional classrooms in countries where fundamental freedoms are being curbed.

She began by questioning how rights can be taught in a country where the institutions meant to protect them face limitations. That question shaped her broader argument about what young Afghans actually need.

In her view, awareness alone is not enough. Young people also need practical skills to defend their rights safely, including documenting violations, building networks, communicating across communities and continuing their studies when formal institutions become inaccessible.

To make that possible, Jalal urged the international community to create alternative education pathways for Afghan women and girls. She named scholarships, mentorship programmes and secure digital learning opportunities as examples.

She said universities, civil society organisations and human rights institutions should work together to support young Afghan defenders. The aim, she explained, is to keep them connected to global academic and civic networks.

Jalal also called for recognition of alternative forms of learning. Without it, she said, education interrupted by restrictions could close off future academic and professional opportunities for students.

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She then widened her focus beyond Afghanistan. Future human rights leaders, Jalal said, may emerge from students, teachers, journalists and young activists working in difficult conditions, and support should not wait until they reach established institutions.

To that end, she proposed an international network of universities, human rights organisations and civil society groups. It would offer education, mentoring and leadership opportunities to young defenders affected by repression, conflict or discrimination.

Jalal said Afghanistan shows why such backing matters, particularly when speaking out carries personal risk. Jalal said, “Knowing your rights is not enough.”