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Exiled Afghanistan envoy still advocating for women's rights

Marie Joslyn in Vienna, Austria
March 8, 2026

Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan's last ambassador to Austria, continues to speak out for the rights of women and girls in her country despite her dismissal by the Taliban regime.

https://p.dw.com/p/5A1ID

Dismissed by the Taliban after they regained power in August 2021, Manizha Bakhtari remains recognized as Afghanistan's ambassador to Austria and at the United Nations.

Defying the regime, she continues to champion Afghan women whose rights have been increasingly restricted.

As some European states begin limited cooperation with the Taliban, Bakhtari warns this sends a dangerous signal — and vows to keep fighting for women's freedom.