On August 15, 2025, the Union of Human Rights Activists in British Columbia organized a moving commemorative event titled
“Fresh Wound of August 15” to mark the fourth anniversary of the fall of Afghanistan’s Republic to the Taliban. The program
was both a memorial and a message — honoring the countless victims of tyranny and reaffirming the unyielding spirit of a nation
that refuses to surrender to oppression.
The event brought together human rights defenders, scholars, former diplomats, UN representatives, and members of civil society
from across Canada and beyond. Through artistic performances, heartfelt speeches, and insightful panel discussions, the gathering
shed light on the enduring humanitarian, social, and political crises in Afghanistan (Khorasan) and the urgent need for global action.
Distinguished speakers included Richard Bennett (UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan), Tim Martin (former Canadian
Representative in Kandahar), Dr. Lauren Oates (Executive Director of Right to Learn Afghanistan), Mohammad Mohaq (religious scholar
and author), and Ramin Manawi (Consul General of Afghanistan in Canada). Each speaker provided a unique perspective on the current
situation — from the collapse of freedom of expression to the systemic persecution of women and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
Discussions underscored that recognizing the Taliban regime would be equivalent to legitimizing violence and erasing decades of
progress. Speakers condemned the gender apartheid imposed on women and girls, calling it a moral and human rights emergency. They
emphasized that peace built on fear and silence is not true peace — it must be rooted in justice, accountability, and the participation
of civil society.
The event also highlighted the power of culture and art as instruments of resilience. Moving performances by Afghan artist Zaher
Sangar and vocalist Farzana Nawabi transformed grief into strength and gave voice to a people whose courage endures despite exile
and loss. Through this initiative, the Union of Human Rights Activists reaffirmed its mission to defend truth, preserve dignity,
and keep alive the hope of a free and democratic Afghanistan.
Even in darkness, the Afghan people remain unbroken — their spirit a testament to the belief that justice, once wounded, can rise again.