Women's rights cannot be compromised 'at any cost': Malala on Afghan peace

Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai said Monday that the Afghan peace talks must ensure freedom of all people, especially women and girls, as the country attempts to settle the nearly two-decades-long war in Afghanistan.

The two sides — the Afghan government and the Taliban — are in the early stages of meetings in Doha as they try to hammer out a deal that would bring 19 years of bloodshed in Afghanistan to a close.

"As one of the victims of decades-long conflict and terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, I am sure I am speaking for many who lost their lives, loved ones, homes, childhoods, and dreams," the youngest Nobel Prize laureate said in a statement.

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Malala said that she believed that peace talks and dialogues are the "only way" to resolve tensions in the region but stressed that there is no peace without the protection of human rights.

"Negotiations must include civil society and women leaders. Girls' education must be guaranteed," she said, adding: "The rights of women — from walking freely in the streets to doing any job they choose — cannot be compromised at any cost."

The young activist said that the people of the region 'urged' for peace.

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"I hope we never see innocent people dying and losing their homes in any so-called international and local power politics. I hope we never see the manipulation of Islam or the Pashtoon values of bravery, honour, and patriotism," she said.

The path towards recovery and long-term peace requires investment in education and health, Malala noted.

"I hope these historic talks mark an end to the decades-long conflict in the region. I hope we finally see peace and it is never taken away from us," she added.