Rina Amiri Announces the End of Her Mission as the U.S. Special Representative for Women and Human Rights

In a farewell letter published on Sunday night (January 19), Amiri wrote that "defending the brave women and men of Afghanistan at the forefront of the fight for a rights-based and inclusive Afghanistan has been a great honor."

She added in the letter that much work remains to hold the Taliban accountable and to utilize the efforts of women leaders and human rights defenders.

Amiri emphasized that efforts must continue to convince the Taliban to revoke their damaging decrees that have deprived women and girls of their rights, mobility, education, livelihood, voice, and access to medical institutions.

She also stressed that the Taliban should be urged to respect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities and end the culture of fear and intimidation.

Amiri continued, "The world must stand with the brave women and men of Afghanistan, whose greatest hope is a stable, secure Afghanistan, at peace with itself and its neighbors. This is both a moral and strategic imperative for the region and the world."

It is important to note that Rina Amiri was appointed as the U.S. Special Representative for Women and Human Rights in Afghanistan in late 2021. However, it is still unclear whether a new person will replace her or if the position will be eliminated. Recently, the U.S. Department of State also abolished the position of Special Representative for Afghanistan.