Reports and Statements

Statement by Dr. Sylvia Ruge, Managing Director of the German Bar Association (DAV)

One year after the Taliban took power, the situation in Afghanistan for members of the legal profession, especially for female lawyers and judges, is deteri­o­rating visibly. The German Bar Association (DAV) calls on the German government to swiftly implement a further admission program. The DAV also urges the establishment of legal counseling as a standard measure of humani­tarian aid.

"The country is in an unprece­dented humani­tarian crisis. Of particular concern is the situation of female lawyers, criminal defense attorneys and judges in the country, who face massive persecution and oppression on a daily basis due to their previous or current profes­sional practice. A free advocacy is virtually non-existent under the Taliban regime. The further evacuation mission for vulnerable people planned for this summer according to the Federal Foreign Office's Afghanistan Action Plan is being torpedoed by the new rulers in Kabul.

There is an urgent need for a further humani­tarian admission program, as announced in the coalition agreement. People who have already received a notice of admission or whose names have been put down for a protection program must be taken out of the country – including their families – as quickly as possible. The process of issuing humani­tarian visas and admitting people at high risk is still far too complicated and bureau­cratic. Germany must do a better job of fulfilling its legal respon­si­bility to protect.

The DAV also advocates the inclusion of legal advice into the canon of established humani­tarian measures. In the event of natural disasters, conflicts or other acute crises, access to justice must be guaranteed in addition to the provision of food, health, water and sanitation."