EU Gives Mahsa Amini Rights Prize; Iran Blocks Family Attendance
New Age
Islam News Bureau
12 December 2023
·
EU Gives Mahsa Amini Rights
Prize; Iran Blocks Family Attendance
·
12-Year-Old Indian Girl,
Licypriya Kangujam, Storms COP28 Stage, Shouts "End Fossil Fuels"
·
Telangana HC Allows Religious
Activity, Majlis, Jashans, by Shia Women at Ibadat Khana
·
Pakistan Constitution Gives
Equal Opportunity to Women: Nilofar, Chairperson of National Commission
·
Mahbouba Seraj, Executive
Director AWSDC Awarded Finland’s International Gender Equality Prize
·
Afghan Women’s Education
Highlighted at Doha Forum
·
Women's Rights Groups Hope for
Better Outcome with Updated Cabinet
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/eu-mahsa-amini-rights-iran/d/131302
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EU Gives Mahsa Amini Rights Prize; Iran
Blocks Family Attendance
Amini's
death triggered major protests in Iran and a global movement known as 'Woman,
Life, Freedom' © Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP
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12/12/2023
The award -- also for the broader
"Woman, Life, Freedom" movement -- is the latest international
recognition for the women challenging Iran's religious government after jailed
activist Narges Mohammadi was given the Nobel Peace Prize.
Amini's mother, father and brother will
miss the ceremony at the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg
as Iran's authorities confiscated their passports and barred them from flying
to collect the EU's Sakharov Prize.
Iranian Kurd Amini died on September 16,
2022 at the age of 22 while being held by Iran's religious police for allegedly
breaching the Islamic republic's strict dress code for women.
Her death triggered major protests in
Iran and a global movement known as "Woman, Life, Freedom", calling
for the end of the Muslim cleric-led government in Tehran and its imposition of
headscarves on women.
Iranian security forces have cracked
down on the protests domestically, killing hundreds, and have executed dozens
for allegedly participating in what officials have called "riots".
The refusal by Iran's government to let
Amini's family attend has caused outrage among EU lawmakers, who said Tehran is
seeking to stifle her supporters.
"This restriction is aimed at
silencing Jina Mahsa Amini's family, preventing them from speaking out about
the Islamic Republic's outrageous repression of women's rights, human rights
and fundamental freedoms in Iran," 116 MEPs wrote in a letter.
"We cannot tolerate this, the truth
must not be silenced and the face of this incredible liberation movement should
be shown to Europe and the world."
Amini's family will instead be
represented by their Iranian lawyer Saleh Nikbakht at the ceremony.
Nikbakht said at a meeting with
lawmakers on Monday that Amini's family had informed the authorities they were
planning to travel but were stopped at the last moment.
Two prominent activists living in exile
outside Iran -- Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar -- will also pick up the
award in the name of the broader movement.
Najafi's sister died during the
anti-government protests that swept Iran in the wake of Amini's death.
Shahinkar was shot in the eye by security forces.
"I will never stay silent and I
will carry on the path I've chosen to be a voice of my people in any way
possible," Shahinkar told lawmakers.
"I'm going to show that my people
do not want the Islamic Republic regime."
Nobel peace prize winner Mohammadi --
who has been detained since 2021 in Tehran's Evin prison -- was also unable to
pick up the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Sunday.
Mohammadi was one of the women
spearheading the "Woman, Life, Freedom" uprising.
Mohammadi's twin children Ali and Kiana
instead received the award on her behalf, and read out a speech that was
smuggled out of jail denouncing the "tyrannical and anti-women
religious" government.
Source: france24.com
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231212-eu-gives-mahsa-amini-rights-prize-as-iran-blocks-family-attendance
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12-Year-Old Indian Girl, Licypriya Kangujam,
Storms COP28 Stage, Shouts "End Fossil Fuels"
Manipur girl
Licypriya Kangujam
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December 12, 2023
Raunaq Lekhi
New Delhi: Licypriya Kangujam,
12-year-old climate activist from Manipur, dashed on to the stage at the United
Nations Climate Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, today. She bolted onto the
stage holding a sign above her head that read, "End fossil fuels. Save our
planet and our future."
The teenager delivered a short speech
after rushing on the stage, protesting against the use of fossil fuels for
which she received a round of applause from the audience before being escorted
away.
COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid
Al Suwaidi said he admired the young girl's enthusiasm and encouraged audience
present at the event to give her another round of applause.
The activist from Manipur posted the
video of the event on X, and said, "They detained me for over 30 minutes
after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top
cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28.
In another post on X she wrote,
"What is the reason to cease my badge for protesting against the fossil
fuels? If you're really standing against the fossil fuels, then you must
support me and you must immediately release my badges. This is gross violation
and abuse of Child Rights in the UN premises which is against the UN principle.
I have the rights to raise my voice at UN."
Phasing out fossil fuels has been an
ongoing debate at the COP28 with nearly 200 countries having joined in trying
to resolve the issue.
About 60,000 delegates from 190 nations
are a part of this year's climate conference in Dubai. The 12-year-old is a
Special Envoy of Timor Leste.
Source: ndtv.com
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/12-year-old-indian-protester-dashes-on-to-cop28-stage-4655930
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Telangana HC Allows Religious Activity,
Majlis, Jashans, by Shia Women at Ibadat Khana
12th December 2023
HYDERABAD: Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of
the Telangana High Court on Monday granted permission to women members of the
Akhbari sect of Shia Muslims to conduct Majlis, jashans and other religious
activity in the Ibadat Khanalocated at Darulshifa, Hyderabad.
The court also issued notices to the
state government, represented by the principal secretary, Minorities Welfare
department, Waqf Board, and Muttawali Committee of Ibadat KhanaHussaini, in
response to a query raised by Anjuman-e-Alavi, Shia ImamiaIthna Ashari Akhbari
Society, represented by its secretary, Asma Fatima.
The petitioner alleged that the
self-styled Muttawali Committee of Ibadathkhana Hussaini was unlawfully denying
Shia Muslim women of Akhbari sect the right to conduct jashans, Majlis and
other religious activity in accordance with the Waqfnama. Despite prior
representations, the discrimination persisted, with the committee allowing Shia
Muslim women of Usooli sect to engage in activities not specified in the
Waqfnama, the petitioner said.
Fatima said she brought the matter to
the notice of the Waqf Board, the custodian of the property, but no action was
taken. The court, referencing an earlier writ petition, emphasised strict
compliance with the Waqf Deed.
In response to the petitioner’s
contentions, Justice Bheemapaka, in an interim direction, granted permission
for Shia Muslim women to conduct religious activities at the Ibadathkhana.
Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy of the
Telangana High Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the conduct of
Circle Inspector (CI) Ramesh Banbu, stationed in Jadcherla, Mahbubnagar, over
the delay in the registration of a first information report (FIR). The court
deemed it a clear case of deliberate negligence and a careless approach on the
part of the Station House Officer (SHO). Justice Reddy underscored the court’s
intolerance for willful negligence, deliberate disobedience of court orders and
carelessness. Petitioner’s counsel Balaji Yelamanjula contended that the
magistrate in Jadcherla issued an order on June 19 instructing the SHO to
register an FIR against Kowkuntla Shyam Kumar and Venkatesh Goud. However, the CI only registered the FIR on
September 3, leading to a delay of 65 days. The judge imposed a penalty of
`10,000 on the CI and directed him to SHO to deposit the amount within two
weeks.
A division bench of the Telangana High
Court led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti has
recalled the Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) that were earlier issued against MPDO
Vani and Majidpur gram panchayat secretary Srinivas Reddy. The bench was
presiding over a PIL filed by S Ashok Reddy seeking a direction to the
Medchal-Malkajgiri collector to conduct a thorough investigation into the
alleged illegal encroachments and constructions in the specified areas. Earlier
the court had directed Vani and Srinivas Reddy to submit a status report
concerning illegal encroachments, but both the officials failed to file the
status report and did not appear before the court to provide explanations for
their non-compliance, prompting the issuance of NBWs. However, as the duo
appeared before the CJ, he recalled the NBWs while criticising the careless
approach of the officials.
Source: newindianexpress.com
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2023/dec/12/telangana-hc-allows-religious-activity-by-shia-women-at-ibadathkhana-2640680.html
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Pakistan Constitution Gives Equal
Opportunity to Women: Nilofar, Chairperson of National Commission
2023-12-12
ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of National
Commission on the Status of Women Nilofar Bakhtiar, while addressing the 16
Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international civil
society-led annual campaign, said that the constitution of Pakistan gives equal
opportunity to women.
The capital city of Islamabad has
successfully concluded the #KoiJawazNahi 16 Days Campaign, a collaborative
initiative by UN Women, generously funded by the Government of Japan. This
landmark campaign not only addressed the critical issue of violence against
women and children but also marked the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of
the Constitution of Pakistan, reinforcing the commitment to fundamental rights
and equality.
The campaign commences on 25 November,
the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends
on 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the
most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide.
Bakhtiar, in her welcome speech, said,
“As we conclude these 16 Days of activism, let’s intertwine the principles of
our Constitution with the dynamic spirit of the Trade Fair. Through collective
effort and economic exchange, let’s pave the way for a Pakistan where equality
flourishes, violence dissipates, and prosperity blossoms for every citizen of
Pakistan.”
She said, “It was a dream to conduct
this trade fair for women from all across the country but it is happening
today.”
While addressing the audience, Sharmeela
Rassool, the country representative of UN Women Pakistan, stated “Our
#KoiJawazNahi campaign stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s
Constitution, commemorating 50 years of justice and equality. Embracing ‘No
Excuse’ and strategic investments in women and girls, we illuminate the
constitutional framework safeguarding every citizen’s rights. Together, we
sculpt a nation where excuses vanish, and economic empowerment interconnects
seamlessly with equal rights for all.”
She said, that the women of Pakistan are
hardworking and resilient. Their participation in every field is their right.
She further added that women have equal rights over everything this land has.
In the keynote speech Khalil George,
Federal Minister for Human Rights said, “No Excuse is more than a rule — it’s
our guiding principle. Our vision extends beyond policies; it’s about weaving
human rights into our daily fabric. By collectively safeguarding the dignity
and rights of every citizen, we emphasize the significance of the ongoing 16
Days theme that is to invest in the women and girls.”
The #KoiJawazNahi campaign was launched
at Mohenjo-Daro followed by Quetta, Peshawar and now culminating in Islamabad.
The primary concept behind this initiative involves illuminating historical
structures in these cities with orange, accompanied by street theatre
performance. Concurrently, the campaign actively promotes and advocates for
this year’s theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls,”
aiming to reach the masses.
The campaign coincided with the 50th
Anniversary of the Constitution of Pakistan, a milestone that underlines the
nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and human
dignity. By integrating this celebration into the campaign, organizers sought
to emphasize the constitutional framework that supports the rights of every
citizen, regardless of gender or age.
In addition, the campaign collaborated
with a Trade Fair, creating a platform where businesses, organizations, and the
public could come together to exchange ideas, showcase products, and strengthen
networks. This intersection of the campaign with the Trade Fair allowed for a
dynamic exchange of perspectives and solutions, fostering a sense of community
engagement and shared responsibility.
The global theme of this year’s 16 Days
of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10
December 2023, is “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”
Source: brecorder.com
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40277998/constitution-gives-equal-opportunity-to-women-nilofar
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Mahbouba Seraj, Executive
DirectorAWSDCAwarded Finland’s International Gender Equality Prize
Fidel Rahmati
December 12, 2023
Mahbouba Seraj, the Executive Director
of the Afghan Women’s Skills Development Centre, has been awarded the Finnish
International Gender Equality Prize for her work in defending human rights.
Her efforts focus on promoting gender
equality, establishing safe shelters in Afghanistan, and creating employment
opportunities for women. Seraj’s dedication to these causes highlights her
significant contribution to advancing gender equality and improving the lives
of women in Afghanistan.
The prize, accompanied by a sum of
300,000 euros, was presented to Ms Mahbouba Seraj on Monday, December 11, in a
ceremony in Finland by Petteri Orpo, the country’s Prime Minister. This
prestigious award recognizes Seraj’s significant contributions and dedication
to her work.
The Finland International Gender
Equality Prize is awarded biennially to a prominent human rights activist.
Initiated in 2017, it includes a special trophy and a cash prize for the
recipient.
Upon receiving the award, Mahbouba Seraj
stated that violence against women and girls in Afghanistan continues in its
most blatant form. She added that the prize money will be used to support women
in Afghanistan.
She mentioned, “Most of the women who
take refuge in these shelters are fleeing from family or spousal violence, or
are girls running away from their parents to avoid forced marriage.”
Finnish media widely covered the award
ceremony for Ms Seraj, reporting statements from the Prime Minister of Finland
that women and girls in Afghanistan face sexual harassment and abuse.
The Prime Minister of Finland assured
continued support to Afghanistan, stating, “For 20 years, Finland has
vigorously supported gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan, and the
country has been the largest recipient of Finnish development aid for a long
time. Finland will continue this important support as much as possible.”
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/mahbouba-seraj-awarded-finlands-international-gender-equality-prize/
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Afghan Women’s Education Highlighted at
Doha Forum
11th December 2023
The UN special rapporteur for Afghan
human rights, Richard Bennett stressed the importance of girls' education in
Afghanistan, saying that the Taliban have disagreements over the issue of girls
education in Afghanistan.
Speaking to a panel in the Doha Forum,
Bennett indicated the former Minister of Higher Education’s stance regarding
female universities and said: “I remember having a meeting with the minister of
higher education. This was a while back when women were still able to study at
university and he had a kind of technical discussion with me. He said he didn’t
contest whether or not women should study at university. It was an issue of how
to do it in a segregated way and he said, 'look, they had an internal discussion
either they would have men for half the day or women for half the day so they
don’t meet each other…', he was removed a little bit after that a few months
later,” Bennett said.
Meanwhile, the head of the Qatar-based
Political Office, Suhail Shaheen, denied Bennett’s remarks, saying that the
Islamic Emirate has ensured the rights of all citizens of Afghanistan.
“The Islamic Emirate has the support of
the people. If it was not so, it would not be possible to stand against the 54
countries who were supporting the US in the invasion. Unfortunately, some
people and sides are making untrue allegations either that it is the issue of
education or other issues," he said.
The international community has
repeatedly voiced concerns over the violation of human rights in Afghanistan
after the Islamic Emirate returned to power in August 2021.
Amnesty International called for
“continued advocacy for addressing the situation of women and girls in
Afghanistan.”
The permanent representative of
Afghanistan to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Nasir Ahmad Andisha, said
that they are trying to be the “voice of Afghanistan” in the human rights
council.
“We are trying to convey the voice of
the people, men and women of Afghanistan to this council,” he said.
The situation of human rights, including
restrictions imposed on girls and women by the current authorities, have drawn
international attention.
On Sunday, the US special envoy for
Afghan human rights and women, Rina Amiri, speaking to a panel at the Doha
Forum called for investment in the female education sector in Afghanistan, in a
bid to provide the way for a modern and “inclusive Afghanistan.”
Source: tolonews.com
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186448
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Women's rights groups hope for better
outcome with updated Cabinet
12 Dec 2023
S. INDRAMALAR
PETALING JAYA: Women's and seniors'
rights advocates have voiced mixed responses to the Cabinet reshuffle announced
by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While some noted that the appointment of
a woman deputy minister in the Finance Ministry was a positive step towards
women's representation in key ministries, others cautioned that the new
appointments could be disruptive.
"We welcome Datuk Seri Dr Noraini
Ahmad, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu and Lim Hui Ying in their new portfolios which
have a strong gender focus and look forward to working with and supporting them
in advancing gender equality," said founder of NGO Engender Consultancy
Omna Sreeni-Ong.
"Globally only 11% of finance
ministers and central bank governors are women and so we laud the appointment
of a female Deputy Finance Minister.
"With the institution of
gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) across government, we hope that with this
appointment, there will be greater attention to accelerating the GRB process
and in turn equitable distribution of fiscal resources to benefit all Malaysians,"
says Omna.
With the reshuffle, Noraini replaced
Aiman as the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister.
The latter is now the Deputy Local
Government Development Minister while Lim is the Deputy Finance Minister; she
was formerly the Deputy Education Minister.
Women's Centre for Change, Penang
advocacy director Karen Lai, however, said that the reshuffle could come at a
price.
"The disruption prevents the
accumulation of ministerial policy expertise at the risk of poor policy
outcomes.
"The question is, on what basis was
the reshuffling made? Political power struggles and internal horse trading is
to my mind not an acceptable excuse for decisions which impact critical and
vulnerable sectors of society, including women and children.
"While we welcome the increase in
women's representation in executive decision-making, numbers alone are not
enough. The women appointed as ministers or deputy ministers must prove
themselves as substantively capable of leading their respective portfolios,"
said Lai.
She added that Noraini, when she was
Higher Education Minister in 2020, was involved in "a fiasco" and
that her appointment "has not inspired confidence" among women's
groups.
"(She) was involved in a fiasco of
a last-minute change to move university registration and classes online
following a surge of Covid-19 cases in the country. She has been strongly
criticised in that previous portfolio. Given the above track record, her new
appointment has not inspired confidence among women's groups. That said, it's
important to keep an open mind and move forward towards a constructive working
relationship," said Lai.
In October 2020, Noraini (as the Higher
Education Minister) called off in-person registrations and classes at public
universities a day before students were set to register. She received a lot of
complaints from parents, students and the public as this last-minute move left
many students stranded on campus, some with not enough funds to return to their
hometowns. She also faced other criticisms during her tenure.
Meanwhile, gerontologist and seniors'
rights advocate Lily Fu felt that the reshuffle was timely with the new year
just around the corner.
"We don't want seat-warmers and
shoe-polishers. All in the Cabinet should pull up their socks and put their
shoulders to the plough," she said.
Fu then added that her biggest concern
is for the new Health Minister to look into setting up more Rumah Ehsan for
long-term care for the elderly as there are only two nationwide at the moment
"Healthcare may be affordable at
government clinics and hospitals but it's unbelievable that our senior citizens
have to wait for months to see a doctor for a checkup. For the elderly, time is
not on their side,” she said.
With Malaysia set to become an aged
nation, all ministries should come together to make our public buildings, our
parks, our towns and cities more age-friendly. Get the grassroots involved in
dialogues," added Fu.
Source: thestar.com.my
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/12/women039s-rights-groups-laud-higher-number-of-women-in-cabinet
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/eu-mahsa-amini-rights-iran/d/131302