The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that women and girls in Afghanistan continue to face severe and persistent restrictions, saying the conditions undermine their fundamental rights as well as the country’s future.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 10 December, to mark International Human Rights Day, UNAMA said: “Women and girls continue to face severe restrictions on education, employment and participation in public life, undermining their fundamental rights and the country’s future. Access to health services is uneven, leaving families vulnerable and communities weakened.”
Referring to the large number of Afghans returning to the country “involuntarily,” UNAMA said certain groups particularly women, people with previous links to the former government and its security forces, as well as civil society and media activists face the risk of reprisals.
UNAMA said the Taliban must bring themselves closer to meeting their international human rights obligations. According to the mission, respect for rights strengthens trust and inclusivity, creating the foundation for a society in which everyone can contribute to improving conditions.
Georgette Gagnon, UNAMA’s acting head and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, said: “Human rights are not optional. They are the everyday essentials that sustain life.” She added that ensuring women and girls can learn, work and participate fully is essential in Afghanistan.
Gagnon urged the Taliban authorities to take the steps needed to align with global human rights obligations and to open space for Afghanistan and all its people to thrive.
For more than four years, the international community has repeatedly called on the Taliban to respect human rights and lift restrictions on women and girls. The group has not heeded those appeals.
