UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that violations of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are increasing, and that they face severe restrictions.
Guterres said girls and women are being denied the education they need—a fundamental right.
In part of his remarks, he pointed to rising violence and discrimination in conflict-affected areas and stressed the importance of women’s participation in peace negotiations.
He also said that women leaders, politicians, journalists and human rights defenders are being sidelined and targeted.
The UN secretary-general called for increased financial support for women-led organisations and for those responsible for violence against women to be held accountable.
Since taking control of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities have barred women and girls from education. In their latest restriction, they closed medical institutes to women and girls, even as the country’s health sector faces a shortage of personnel.
This move has left millions of schoolgirls unable to continue their education.
Women have also been barred from going to sports clubs, restaurants and public baths; being examined by male doctors; travelling without a mahram (male guardian); and working for domestic and international non-governmental organisations, as well as UN offices in Afghanistan.
According to reports, if the ban remains in place, nearly four million girls could be denied an education by 2030.
