Human Rights in Afghanistan

Thursday, September 9, 2010 - 18:30

Renowned Afghan human rights activist Suraya Pakzad in conversation with SBS Dateline reporter Sophie McNeill.

Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley.

Entry by donation

MORE INFO: Daily reports from Afghanistan focus on the climbing death toll of NATO forces and the deteriorating security situation, but what is the reality on the ground for the people of Afghanistan nearly nine years after the overthrow of the Taliban? Thanks to support from Amnesty International Australia, Suraya Pakzad is flying directly from her work with remote Afghan women to speak to Australian audiences about the conflict that has driven so many from their homes.

Named among Time Magazine's ‘100 most influential people of 2009,’ Ms Pakzad will speak about her ongoing work with Afghanistan's most disadvantaged women in villages, prisons and shelters. Young women continue to be jailed for adultery if they complain to the authorities of being raped. She will talk about the extraordinary obstacles she faces on a daily basis and how the position of Afghan women has not significantly progressed since foreign intervention. Ms Pakzad also raises questions about how the international community can engage on a more equitable and effective level with the people of Afghanistan.