All 24 female senators banded together to urge President Biden to put together a plan that will defend the “basic human rights” of women in Afghanistan, after the administration’s disastrous exit from the country. 

“In the wake of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, we write to urge your Administration to develop an interagency plan to preserve the political, economic, social, and basic human rights of Afghan women and girls,” the bipartisan group of senators wrote. 

“This plan should also address how the United States will lead international organizations, such as the United Nations, in holding the Taliban accountable,” the letter continued.

They outlined how women and girls in the country are suffering at the hands of the “Taliban regime,” which has a known “track record of brutalizing, isolating, and denying them life and liberty,” because there is now a lack of military forces present to protect them. 

Though they pointed out  that the country’s former government was “flawed” at best, it was “bound by a constitution that promoted human rights, and freedom of speech and assembly for both women and men.”   

The group accused the Taliban government of going back on their commitment to treat women well under their rule. “Women have been the victims of targeted beatings and killings and are banned from leaving home without a male guardian.”

The women of the Senate demanded the Biden administration brief them about their plan to protect the women of Afghanistan. 

“You have committed to press the Taliban to uphold the rights of women and girls, and you have stated that America will maintain an enduring partnership with the people of Afghanistan resisting Taliban rule,” the letter noted. 

“We will advise, support, and enable those efforts through legislation and engagement with your Administration,” they offered. “Afghan women and girls need our action now.”