New Law May Deny Afghan Women Protection

A new law passed by both houses of the Afghan parliament would effectively deny women protection from domestic violence and forced or child marriage. Although Afghan women have made some gains since the toppling of the Taliban there are many members of the Parliament that hold some very traditional and religious (Islam) values that bode badly for women once the Coalition departs Afghanistan in December 2014. It is expected to be signed by President Karzai for final signature in the next few weeks. Read more in "Afghanistan: Reject New Law Protecting Abusers of Women", Human Rights Watch, February 4, 2014.