Afghanistan has introduced new penal codes resulting in stricter penalties for animal fighting compared to those for domestic violence, as highlighted by the UN.
Afghanistan's recent legal reforms have raised concerns as they impose harsher penalties for animal fights than for acts of domestic violence, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. The current penal code stipulates that a man causing visible injury to his wife may face only 15 days in prison, contingent upon the wife's ability to prove the abuse in court. In stark contrast, organizing fights among animals incurs a punishment of five months in prison.
These troubling legal contradictions were presented by Turk to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, emphasizing that such laws defy Afghanistan's international legal obligations. The issue of domestic violence remains critical, particularly in a country where women's rights have been severely undermined. The UN’s attention on these disparities aims to highlight the need for legal frameworks that prioritize the protection of human rights, especially those of women.
The implications of these laws are profound, reflecting a societal attitude that undervalues the protection of women while emphasizing the welfare of animals. This discrepancy could foster an environment where domestic violence is tolerated or considered less of a crime, prompting further calls for reformation of the penal code to align with global human rights standards.
