Save This 10-year-old Girl From An "Honour" Killing
At just ten years old, Brishna is the survivor of a brutal rape.
After she was released from hospital, Brishna was taken to a shelter run by Women for Afghan Women for protection. Despite male relatives threatening to "kill her and dump her in the river" local police removed Brishna from the shelter and returned her to her family.
Because of the "shame" the rape has brought on her family, they decided to take her out of school. Family members have provided a written guarantee they will not harm her, but we need to ensure that Brishna receives full protection from the state and that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent an "honour" killing against her.
"Honour" killings are an ongoing problem in Afghanistan. Shockingly, Afghanistan's Penal Code recommends reduced sentences in murder cases when honour is the motivation.
Demand Afghan authorities protect Brishna against the threat of an "honour" killing.
To protect Brishna's identity the girl in the photo is not her.
Your Excellency,
I write to you concerning 10-year-old Afghan girl, Brishna, from Kunduz Province.
[Your comments here]
I call on you to:
- urge authorities to ensure that Brishna receives full protection from the state, and that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent an "honour" killing against her;
- ensure Brishna is allowed to continue with her education, without risk to her safety or security;
- ensure "honour" killings are treated as serious criminal offences, and I urge you to repeal Article 398 of the Afghan Penal Code to abolish reduced sentences for murder on the basis of "honour" as a motivation.
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
