On International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, Rina Amiri, the US Special Representative for Women, praised Afghan girls and women who fight for their right to education and work.

Amiri added that these women are true heroes who stand up in the face of threats and violence.

Amiri, who has repeatedly criticised the Taliban’s policies towards Afghan women, has addressed the world leaders, especially Islamic countries, and said that they should support Afghan women in a unified and strong manner.

She has also pointed to the demise of Francesc Vendrell, former European Union representative in Afghanistan, who died on Sunday, saying that he worked for peace and democracy and was a champion for human rights.