Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has recently called on the interim government to immediately lift the ban imposed on Afghan women working in UN offices and to ensure safe and unhindered access for female staff to UN offices.
Stefan Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated in a press release that Mr. Guterres has urged government leaders to lift all restrictions placed on women and girls.
Guterres emphasized that the rights of women and girls must be supported for their full, equal, and meaningful participation in all aspects of Afghan society.
The UN Secretary-General also added that the restrictions imposed on women’s full participation in public life, education, and many areas of work violate their fundamental rights and pose a significant barrier to economic development, stability, and Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community.
It is noteworthy that it has been a year since the ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations was enacted. Last year, on this very day, the current government prohibited all female staff from entering UN offices across the country.
Antonio Guterres stated that this restriction is contrary to international laws, including the UN Charter, and undermines the organization’s capacity to carry out its mission and provide life-saving assistance and other support to the people of Afghanistan at a time when needs remain high.
He mentioned that unhindered access for all UN personnel to their workplaces is crucial for the mission’s effectiveness and for reaching and supporting vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls, in accordance with cultural customs.
Antonio Guterres stressed that ensuring that women can provide humanitarian aid and essential services to women and girls is vital for an effective and principled response.
The United Nations has previously called multiple times for the lifting of the ban on Afghan women working in its offices, but the current government has not yet responded to these requests.
