SENATE ADOPTS WILLIAMS’ RESOLUTION CONDEMNING TALIBAN OPPRESSION

Urges U.S. government to aid in restoration of Afghani women’s rights

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12, 2001 – The Senate this week adopted a resolution, introduced by Sen. Constance H. Williams, condemning the Taliban’s oppression of women in Afghanistan and urging the United States and United Nations to aid in the restoration of women’s rights.

"The oppression of women under Taliban rule has gone on for many years in Afghanistan, and many courageous people around the world have dedicated themselves to fighting that oppression," said Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware), who introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives in March. "Unfortunately, it has taken the tragedy of September 11 to focus attention on this crisis."

Williams noted that a study, conducted by Physicians for Human Rights, found that 81 percent of Afghani women reported a decline in mental health, 42 percent met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, 97 percent met the criteria for major depression, and 86 percent showed significant symptoms of anxiety.

Williams’ resolution condemns the Taliban’s discrimination against women, asks President Bush and Congress to publicly disapprove of these atrocities, urges the U.S. government to take whatever steps necessary to end the violence against Afghani women and fully restore their rights, and urges the United Nations’ humanitarian organizations to assist the new government of Afghanistan in the restoration of women’s rights.

"I ask my Senate colleagues to be the voice for Afghani women who are only now beginning to be heard," Williams said.