Members of an all-female robotics team from Afghanistan arrived in Mexico along with dozens of other refugees fleeing the Taliban-conquered country.
Members of the high-tech team, who had to travel to six countries to reach Mexico, arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday aboard a Qatar air force flight.
“Not only have they saved our lives, but they have also saved our dreams,” said one of the girls about host Mexico, where they were greeted by Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.
“Our stories will not end sadly because of the Taliban,” the girl, who wore a mask, added through a translator. “Under this regime, women will face difficulties … that’s why we’re grateful to be here.”
Mexico has granted girls humanitarian visas valid for up to 180 days with the right to subsequently renew or apply for a change of state.
“We want to tell them from the bottom of our hearts that they are at home,” Ebrard said.
As part of a larger group of highly successful high school students known as “Afghan Dreamers,” the robotics team consists of about 20 members, most of whom are still teenagers.
In 2017, the girls made headlines when they were denied a visa to participate in a robotics contest in Washington, before President Donald Trump stepped in and allowed them to travel.
Last year they worked to build a low-cost medical ventilator from car parts, hoping to increase hospital equipment during the pandemic.
The Taliban’s seizure of power has led to a chaotic mass exodus, as many Afghans fear a repeat of the brutal interpretation of Islamic law applied during the previous militant rule, when girls were expelled from school, women were confined at home and crimes were punishable. by stoning and execution.
Many Afghans are skeptical of the Taliban’s promises of a softer, more inclusive regime this time around.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday she had received credible reports that the Taliban were already restricting women and warned them not to cross that “red line,” AFP reported.
In all, about 130 refugees arrived in Mexico on Wednesday, including journalists.
“These are the ones who run their lives to inform, communicate and bet on freedom of speech,” Ebrard said when he received reporters at the airport later that day.
The Foreign Ministry said Afghans had worked for “various media outlets” and had applied for humanitarian visas because of Taliban hostility towards journalists.