New Zealand Judge Leads Effort to Rescue Afghan Women Judges

In August 2021, as the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, a group of New Zealand judges, led by Susan Glazebrook, initiated a critical mission to evacuate Afghan women judges facing life-threatening danger. These judges, who had served in a country where their rights were severely restricted, found themselves at risk of persecution and even execution under the returning regime.

Faced with the urgency of the situation, Glazebrook and her colleagues reached out to various international organizations and governments to seek assistance. They formulated a plan to help these women escape Afghanistan. The judges’ efforts began immediately following the Taliban’s takeover, as reports emerged of violent reprisals against women who had held positions of authority.

Glazebrook and her team collaborated with the International Bar Association and the United Nations, aiming to gather support from other nations. Their efforts were particularly focused on securing asylum for the judges in countries willing to offer refuge.

On September 17, 2021, Glazebrook announced that 200 Afghan women judges and their families were successfully evacuated from Kabul. The operation was a joint effort involving the Canadian government and the United Kingdom, among others. This complex and dangerous mission involved negotiating safe passage through Taliban-controlled areas and ensuring that the women reached safety without incident.

The evacuation was not without its challenges. Many of the women faced obstacles in obtaining the necessary documentation to leave the country. Glazebrook emphasized that the evacuation process was fraught with peril. “We had to act quickly and decisively,” she noted, highlighting the dire circumstances confronting the judges.

Following their successful evacuation, the women judges were relocated to various countries, where they could begin rebuilding their lives. Glazebrook expressed her hope that these women would find a future where they could continue their legal careers and contribute to society without fear of oppression.

The efforts of Glazebrook and her colleagues have been met with international acclaim. Their actions have drawn attention to the plight of Afghan women and the ongoing challenges they face under Taliban rule. As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, the commitment shown by Glazebrook and her team remains a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy for human rights.

In a world where the rights of women are often overlooked, the successful rescue of these judges serves as a beacon of hope. It underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to protect those at risk and to ensure that justice prevails even in the most challenging circumstances.

As discussions about the future of Afghanistan continue, the story of these women judges stands as a testament to resilience and courage in the face of adversity.