http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2582051.stm
Afghan women 'still suffer abuse'
By Kylie Morris
BBC Kabul correspondent
An international human rights group says women and girls continue to suffer
extreme repression in parts of Afghanistan.
Human Rights Watch says it has evidence of mounting abuses, harassment and
restrictions of women's rights.
Older girls and women in Herat must wear the burqa
Much of the latest Human Rights Watch report focuses on life for the women
of Herat in western Afghanistan, but warns that the situation there is
symptomatic of developments across the country.
It speaks of police abuse, forced chastity tests and restrictions
reminiscent of the Taleban.
Testimony
The Human Rights Watch report concedes that women's and girls' rights have
improved since the demise of the Taleban, with many now allowed to return to
school and university. However it documents growing repression in social and
political life.
In Herat, it says, religious police, government officials and squads of
schoolboys monitor women and girls' behaviour and appearance.
Ismail Khan insists women are better off in Herat
The report cites the use of local television and newspapers by the governor
to set standards.
Freedom of movement is restricted and when they do leave their homes, women
and older girls must wear the all-encompassing burqa, or chowdra.
The group has documented testimony from citizens of Herat that women and
girls who walk with men on the street, ride with them in cars, or even if
alone with them in private homes, have been arrested.
That arrest can be followed by a gynaecological examination to determine
whether they have recently had sex, or to test for virginity.
Return to school
Human Rights Watch accuses the international community of double-standards
by justifying the war against the Taleban in part by promising liberation to
Afghan women and then supporting warlords and commanders who abuse women's
rights.
The Herat governor, Ismail Khan, has in the past defended the position of
women in his province, saying that more girls have returned to school in
Herat than anywhere else in Afghanistan.
He said that women are working in senior roles within the government and for
banks, as well as for international agencies.
Ismail Khan insists women have a good chance in Herat and they have
institutions to help them.
