9 Comments
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Robbie Grayson III's avatar

"When a family decides which child becomes the transaction, that is a decision, not a natural disaster. The famine creates the pressure. The fathers make the call." Well put.

Bart Hellwig's avatar

Brilliantly written. Thank you for heightening attention and realigning focus on the entire issue! Especially, the aspects not being addressed or diverted!

Erika Moorman's avatar

This article is so good!!!

M Devine's avatar

The first question I asked myself when this started being covered was who are the buyers and where are they? All the governments not willing to look are run by men protecting each other.

🎼HOMAYOON,Z🎗️👑's avatar

The most disturbing part of this tragedy is not only the poverty that drives families to desperation, but the existence of men willing to buy children in the first place. Every discussion about Afghan girls must start with one simple truth: girls are human beings, not commodities. No crisis, tradition, or ideology can justify treating a child as something that can be bought and sold.

Muhammad Rahimtoola's avatar

It's an international policy failure, as this territory has been made literally like a no-man's land for over four decades.

Ahmad Mansoor Ramizy's avatar

Well said, Hollie.

Our contributor, Iram Ramzan, and I recently spoke with some young Afghan girls who were sold as minors. Iram wrote a moving piece which was published on Middle East Uncovered: https://www.themiddleeastuncovered.com/p/afghan-women-recall-childhoods-cut.

I am definitely interested in working on this issue more. Let us know what you think of our article and whether you are open to a livestream on Substack to discuss this issue.

Best,

Ahmad Mansoor Ramizy

Middle East Uncovered

Michael Eriksson's avatar

This is just heart-breaking to read but thank you for covering.

Rebecca Chan's avatar

@United Nations we should do something to help Afghan girls