28/06/2026
The International Community Must Not Legitimize the Taliban
Report on the Solidarity Gathering for Afghan Women – São Paulo, Brazil.
On Sunday, 28 June 2026, the Association of Afghans in Brazil (ADAB) organized a peaceful public gathering in São Paulo in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.
The event brought together members of the Afghan community in Brazil, Brazilian friends, human rights advocates, and members of the public to reaffirm their support for Afghan women's right to bread, education, work, and freedom.
Throughout the gathering, participants carried banners and chanted slogans including "Bread, Work, Freedom," "Education, Work, Freedom," "No to Gender Apartheid," "No to the Taliban," and "No to unconditional engagement with the governing authorities in Afghanistan." Participants also expressed deep concern over the ongoing human rights situation in Afghanistan and called on the international community not to remain silent in the face of discrimination, repression, and persistent human rights violations.
Among the principal demands raised during the gathering were the recognition of women's rights as universal human rights, accountability for those responsible for human rights violations, stronger support for Afghan civil society, and the rejection of any action that could contribute to legitimizing or normalizing widespread human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
One of the most moving moments of the event was a short theatrical performance presented by volunteer actors. The play portrayed one Taliban member and two Afghan girls, symbolically illustrating the restrictions imposed on women and girls regarding education, employment, and personal freedom, while also conveying their resilience and hope for a better future. The performance deeply resonated with those in attendance.
The gathering also included the reading and adoption of the "Resolution in Support of Afghan Women's Right to Education, Work and Freedom and the Protection of Civil Liberties."
The resolution calls on the United Nations, the European Union, its member states, and other international institutions to strengthen practical support for the women of Afghanistan, recognize the systematic oppression of women and girls as Gender Apartheid, hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable under international law, and refrain from any action that could legitimize or normalize widespread human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
The resolution also expresses concern regarding the official meeting held in Brussels on 23 June 2026, emphasizing that any engagement with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan should only occur if there is genuine, measurable, and verifiable progress in the field of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls.
The rally remained entirely peaceful and aimed to raise public awareness and encourage international action in defense of human dignity, justice, freedom, and the fundamental rights of the people of Afghanistan.
A printed copy of the resolution, together with the signatures collected during the rally, will be formally submitted to the United Nations Office in São Paulo in the coming days. An electronic copy will also be sent to the Delegation of the European Union in Brasília and other relevant international institutions so that the demands expressed during the rally can be officially pursued.
The Association of Afghans in Brazil sincerely thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this event, including participants, volunteers, performers, media representatives, partner organizations, and supporters.
We hope that, despite our limited resources, this initiative will help amplify the voices of the women of Afghanistan, draw greater international attention to the country's human rights situation, and strengthen global solidarity in defense of human dignity, justice, and freedom.
Education. Work. Freedom.
Association of Afghans in Brazil (ADAB)
28 June 2026
São Paulo – Brazil
Photo: Masuma Yavari
