Mahdi Surosh

A new Afghan emergency: thousands of Afghans expelled by Iran cross daily into their country — officials and aid agencies are striving to organize and help, but more funding is needed, especially in places where returnees head back to: reintegration will be a big, big challenge!

“+500k have been forced into Afghanistan just since the war between Israel & Iran last month, returned to a homeland grappling w/severe humanitarian crisis & draconian restrictions on women/girls, in one of worst displacement crisis of past decade.” nytimes.com/2025/07/16/wor…

All States should support this crucial call by Afghan women,for women around the world. They should make it a priority to actively work to ensure the inclusion of gender apartheid in international law, including in the draft crimes against humanity treaty. hrw.org/news/2025/07/1…

Pleased to join other UN experts welcoming ICC arrest warrants for Taliban leaders. A powerful affirmation to people of #Afghanistan, especially women&girls, that they are seen, heard & believed. This is a positive step to tackle impunity while much more action is still needed.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber has issued arrest warrants against the Taliban Supreme Leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Taliban Chief Justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani for the crime against humanity of gender persecution in Afghanistan and their alleged…

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders on a charge of gender persecution. #Afghanistan This could provide victims and their families with an essential pathway to justice.

This is a major step toward justice & accountability in Afghanistan. While an actual arrest may seem unlikely & difficult at this time, the announcement itself speaks volumes & sends a powerful message. A long-overdue move. Still holding on to hope for justice in #Afghanistan.

For #26June as a proud member of the Torture-Free Trade Network, CVT joins survivors & partners worldwide to remind States that we urgently need a #TortureFreeTrade Treaty to control the trade in equipment used to suppress protests and abuse detainees around the world. Add your…

UN expert @SR_Afghanistan warns that Taliban is instrumentalizing legal and justice sectors in Afghanistan to entrench an institutionalized system of gender oppression, persecution and domination and abolish protections for women and girls. #HRC59 ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

The UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, is calling for the protection of Afghan citizens in Iran as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate. Read more: kabulnow.com/?p=45191

Thanks @mnhealth for amplifying our stories. Starting over is hard. Refugees face big challenges—but bring fresh energy, perspective, and momentum. With support, they contribute greatly to their new communities #WorldRefugeeDay2025

CVT program manager @MahdiSurosh comments for #worldrefugeeday on the importance of working with the Afghan community in Minnesota.

The situation of women & girls in #Afghanistan is continuing to deterioriate, @SR_Afghanistan told the @UN Human Rights Council. The international community must stand with the Afghan people who continue to risk everything in pursuit of justice, dignity & peace, he said. #HRC59

At 10:45 CEST (13:15 Kabul time) on Monday 16 June, I will present my latest report, on access to justice and protection for women and girls in #Afghanistan at the @UN_HRC. I will be joined by inspiring Afghan women. You can watch it live online 👇 webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1o/k…

“Several United Nations female national [Afghan] staff members in the Afghan capital Kabul have been subjected to threats by unidentified individuals related to their work with the UN.” independent.co.uk/asia/south-asi…

“There is support available, but it’s not to the extent that it was in the past,” said CVT’s Mahdi Surosh to @mrao_strib regarding the Afghan community in Minn. startribune.com/some-afghan-al…

Today marks 3 years as #UN Special Rapporteur on #Afghanistan. To all Afghans standing up for your rights amid repression—I stand with you. The world must not look away as the #HumanRights crisis deepens. Watch the full message 👇

Quote of the day. #qotd

“For these athletes, football is not only their passion but a fundamental act of resistance against the Taliban – an act of solidarity with their sisters still living in Afghanistan,” said Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch. “ hrw.org/news/2025/03/2…

Afghanistan: Today is the start of the new school year in Afghanistan but girls above grade six are banned from education. This is unjustifiable and in violation of fundamental human rights to education. The Taliban must allow girls of all ages to attend school and stop using…