Ahmad Massoud’s Courageous Call For Solidarity at the #CDS2023
May 16, 2023 - Yesterday, a momentous occasion unfolded at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2023 as global leaders, policymakers, and activists convened to champion the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Under the moderation of Jonas Parello-Plesner, the summit witnessed the powerful address of Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF) of Afghanistan. Prior to Massoud's speech, the talk commenced with a welcoming address by Ali Nazary, NRF's head of foreign relations, who very eloquently set the tone for the event.
The Copenhagen Democracy Summit, inaugurated six years ago by Founder and Chairman Anders Fogh Rasmussen is an annual gathering that brings together global political leaders, policymakers, experts, and activists to discuss and promote the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. It serves as a platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and strategy formulation to address challenges faced by democratic societies worldwide. The summit aims to strengthen international cooperation, inspire innovative solutions, and take concrete actions to protect and advance democratic principles. The summit is aimed to unite democratic forces against authoritarianism.
During Ahmad Massoud's virtual address, he spoke on the distressing situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, shedding light on its tragic transformation into a terrorism hub at both regional and international levels. Massoud also raised attention to the alarming influx of thousands of terrorists to the country, posing a grave threat not only to Afghanistan but also to the wider region and the world. Furthermore, he called upon the global community to stand in solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Afghanistan, who endure the harsh realities imposed by the Taliban's oppressive rule.
“The National Resistance Front stands as the last democratic force within Afghanistan. We are committed to fighting for a democratic, pluralistic society where all citizens can enjoy equal rights, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or religious views,” Massoud declared.
Addressing the current challenges faced by Afghanistan, Massoud appealed to the democratic world to join forces in advocating for freedom, human rights, and democracy. As Massoud characterized the present state of affairs in Afghanistan as nothing short of a gender apartheid, he underscored the urgent need to protect human rights, highlighting the Taliban's systematic deprivation of women's most fundamental and basic rights.
Earlier this morning Ali Nazary took to Twitter to share his participation in the annual summit. Mr. Nazary highlighted concerns that were expressed at the summit regarding the state of freedom, justice, human rights violations, and the escalating threat of terrorism in Afghanistan. Together, Massoud and Nazary effectively conveyed and outlined the NRF’s vision for a free and democratic Afghanistan. Their words resonated with attendees from across the globe, igniting a renewed sense of unity and determination to defend democracy and stand against oppression. Additionally, the NRF’s successful efforts in the Vienna Process 2023 were also mentioned, which aimed to unite the anti-Taliban opposition to form an alternative approach in their resistance against tyranny and oppression.
#CSD2023 #DefendDemocracy #StandWithNRF #UnitedAgainstTaliban
