Thread by @monaeltahawy

I was supposed to be in #Karachi right now for the Karachi LitFest this weekend but #Pakistan airspace was closed following tensions with #India. I hope de-escalation prevails. This an important statement from feminists apwld.org/statement-femi… h/t @shexistentially

“We note w/mounting dismay that the rhetoric deployed by both Governments is aimed at creating an unstable environment where media & social media is used for proliferation of unsubstantiated claims & counterclaims that are encouraging hyper-nationalism & religious fundamentalism”

“We are particularly concerned about the effects conflict has and has had on the women of South Asia” #India #Pakistan

“In all situations, women, sexual minorities and children are left without means to safeguard their right to live free of violence or discrimination.” #India #Pakistan

“We ask both governments to:

- De-escalate the current situation, prevent armed confrontation and ensure that rhetoric of hyper-nationalism and religious fundamentalism is curbed in both countries;”

#India #Pakistan

“As the 2 largest countries in the subcontinent, both govts must aim to seek lasting peace solutions involving all parties...We condemn any further actions from the both governments that escalates fundamentalism and disaffection among their citizens.”

#India #Pakistan

Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) is a leading network of feminist organisations and grassroots activists in Asia Pacific.