Finnish Prime Minister Criticizes Taliban for Women’s Restrictions at Hazara Culture Day
Petteri Orpo, the Prime Minister of Finland, criticized the Taliban administration for widespread human rights violations and severe restrictions on women during the commemoration of Hazara Culture Day in Finland. He stated that Afghanistan is undergoing one of the deepest humanitarian crises in the world and urged the European Union and the international community not to neglect human rights issues in Afghanistan.
Orpo quoted an Afghanistan expert saying that under current conditions, women in Afghanistan are “almost forbidden from doing anything except breathing.” These remarks come as the Taliban have imposed unprecedented restrictions in recent years on women’s education, employment, and social participation, drawing widespread international condemnation.
The Finnish Prime Minister emphasized that crises like Afghanistan, which receive less media attention, should not be overlooked by the global community. He asserted that Finland and the European Union have a responsibility to take a clear and persistent stance on the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
Orpo also spoke about the status of the Hazara community in Finland, describing their presence as a valuable part of the country’s multicultural society. He stated that Hazaras who have chosen Finland as their home should be able to preserve their culture and identity, which contributes as an asset to Finnish society.
According to him, language, religion, music, literature, and clothing are fundamental elements of cultural identity, and their importance grows for those living away from their homeland. He also stressed investing in education and creating equal opportunities for all citizens as core values aligned with Finnish society’s principles.
Referring to the Hazara community’s longstanding efforts in promoting girls’ education in Afghanistan, Orpo praised their commitment to education and equality. This is particularly significant considering the Taliban’s extensive restrictions on girls’ education within Afghanistan, which have raised serious human rights concerns.
Festival organizers described the event as an opportunity to introduce the culture, history, and identity of the Hazara people. They acknowledged the history of discrimination and repression against Hazaras in Afghanistan and expressed gratitude to the Finnish government and people for welcoming Hazara refugees. They also emphasized the active participation of this community in education, work, and social life in Finland.
The festival was attended by local officials, cultural activists, and members of the Hazara community and featured music, traditional dress displays, as well as presentations of local foods and arts. Organizers said that celebrating Hazara Culture Day symbolizes cultural coexistence and social inclusion in Finnish society.
