OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Afghanistan, has once again criticized the interim government's ban on girls' education in medical institutes, stating that this action will have catastrophic repercussions. In a report published by the organization, it was stated that the continuation of this situation will deepen the health crisis in Afghanistan and also negatively impact the health of mothers and newborns. OCHA stated: "This ban not only threatens women's access to education in the medical field, such as midwifery, nursing, dental prosthetics, and laboratory work, but also creates serious problems for women in healthcare in Afghanistan, jeopardizing the implementation and sustainability of health programs in the long term." The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs emphasized that the ban on girls' education in medical institutes directly affects over 45,000 female students in Afghanistan. The report noted that among these, 4,500 girls have recently graduated from this field, and another 9,800 girls were expected to celebrate their graduation soon. The UN added that this decision will lead to a decrease in female specialists in the medical field in Afghanistan and further restrict women's access to healthcare services. The United Nations also expressed concern that the decision to ban girls' education in medical training facilities will result in an increase in maternal and neonatal mortality in Afghanistan. The report stated: "The ban on midwifery and other medical training is likely to have catastrophic consequences for maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially given that Afghanistan already ranks among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world." The UN estimates that more than 620 mothers die during childbirth for every 100,000 live births in Afghanistan, a figure that is nearly three times the global average. Furthermore, it was noted that more than 24 newborns die for every 1,000 live births in this country. The United Nations reiterated that it continues to work with its partners to improve health conditions and particularly provide health services to the citizens of Afghanistan, including mothers and newborns across the country. It is worth mentioning that the current government has imposed severe and repressive restrictions on women over the past three years.

Officials from the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the interim government have reacted to the recent UN meeting and the concerns expressed by its participants regarding the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, calling the statements of the meeting's members baseless. Saif al-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are being upheld. Mr. Khyber emphasized that these statements are "an attempt to mislead public opinion in another way," asserting that the Islamic Emirate is committed to ensuring the rights of women in Afghanistan. He added, "Their concerns are actually an effort to change public opinion and impose their negative views; for this reason, they occasionally raise the issue of women to obscure the crises they themselves have created." According to Khyber, they are trying to impose their views on the people through this means and hide the crises they have caused themselves. These remarks come after the United Nations Security Council held a meeting last week regarding Afghanistan, where members expressed concern about the dire situation of women in the country.

The European Union has recently stated that the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan will have devastating consequences, particularly for the women and girls of the country. The EU made these remarks during a meeting of the Permanent Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, calling for the full realization of equal human rights, empowerment, participation, and leadership of women in all areas of society. Additionally, the EU issued a statement condemning the organized suppression of women and girls by the interim government. The statement highlighted that these countries are deeply concerned about the current situation in Afghanistan. EU member states emphasized that the people of Afghanistan continue to face a severe humanitarian and human rights crisis. The statement also underscored the importance of providing Afghan migrants with access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. The EU Delegation in Afghanistan has also stated that during its fourth campaign to support Afghan women, it has supported 2,954 businesses under the interim government. Furthermore, it mentioned that 9,331 undocumented returning women who were at risk of violence have received case management support. The EU has stated that it supports Afghan women and girls in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. This delegation emphasized: "Displaced, migrant, and returning women need sustainable income. The EU's programs create sustainable businesses for Afghan displaced women. We also fully support women's economic independence." The European Union had launched a five-day campaign to support Afghan women on March 8, International Women's Day.

Save the Children has stated that the operations of 18 health centers supported by the organization in Afghanistan have been halted due to budget cuts. In a statement released late yesterday (Tuesday, March 11), the organization warned that if immediate financial assistance is not received, another 14 centers will be closed within a few weeks. Save the Children emphasized that the reduction in financial aid and the closure of treatment centers are putting Afghan children at risk. The statement noted that the decline in foreign aid has forced the organization to suspend its programs for children suffering from malnutrition. It further mentioned that just in January of this year, over 134,000 children received health services at 32 health centers supported by Save the Children in Afghanistan. Additionally, Save the Children quoted one of its doctors in northern Afghanistan as saying: "People are disheartened by the reduction in aid. Currently, we are treating 135 children suffering from malnutrition. If this center closes, people will not be able to transfer their patients to a private health center. Our health center is the only option for them." The statement highlighted that 131 million children live in areas facing acute food crises worldwide. It mentioned that approximately 35 children are born hungry every minute around the world. Save the Children also stated in part of its announcement: "Children suffering from malnutrition are 11 times more likely to die from all diseases and common childhood illnesses than others." Alongside the warnings from Save the Children, Rosa Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, also reported the closure of over 200 health centers in the country. Otunbayeva mentioned during a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan two days ago that these centers have been closed in the past month due to budget cuts in aid to Afghanistan. She added that the reduction in aid funding in Afghanistan has limited assistance to approximately 1.8 million children suffering from malnutrition. This comes at a time when concerns about the critical state of Afghanistan's healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health services, have increased due to restrictions imposed by the caretaker government on the education of women and girls in medical institutions.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has recently reported that from November to March of this solar year, 14.8 million people in Afghanistan have experienced food insecurity. In a report titled "Global Agricultural Production and Food Security Outlook," the organization stated that reduced rainfall and economic stagnation in the country are exacerbating the crisis of insecurity. The report, which examines the situation in dozens of countries, indicates that over the past five months, 32 percent of Afghanistan's population has faced food insecurity at an emergency level. Additionally, the report expresses concern about food shortages during this period, noting that economic stagnation, reduced livelihood opportunities, and decreased budgets and humanitarian aid are contributing factors to this situation. The Food and Agriculture Organization has predicted that the amount of rainfall in Afghanistan from March to May of this year will be below average for the wheat planting season. The United Nations has stated that this issue could impact wheat production in 2025 and further intensify food insecurity conditions. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has highlighted the budget shortfall for aid, noting that only $9.9 million of the $1.09 billion needed to respond to this crisis has been raised. This office has called for an increase in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, some people in Afghanistan have previously expressed concerns to media outlets about rising food prices and lack of income opportunities coinciding with the arrival of Ramadan. Since the takeover of the interim government in Afghanistan, many citizens' ability to meet their basic needs has decreased, and the demand for humanitarian assistance has increased—something that the United Nations and its related agencies have consistently expressed concern about.

Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, has called on the caretaker government to reopen schools and universities for girls and women in the country on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8. Mr. Karzai made these remarks on his X account, stating: "Women of Afghanistan have been present in all struggles and transformations, particularly in the independence movements and the flourishing of culture, standing side by side with men and fulfilling their responsibilities towards the development and progress of the homeland." He further emphasized: "I believe that the current and future of Afghanistan necessitates the meaningful presence and participation of women alongside men in all areas. I insist that to this end, opportunities for advancement and roles for women must be created, and the conditions for education and learning for girls must be provided." The former president of Afghanistan expressed: "With wishes for happiness and success for the women of the country and in commemoration of International Women's Day, I once again urge the Islamic caretaker government to open the doors of schools and universities to girls so that with the flourishing of the talents of young people, both girls and boys, the path for our country's progress and development can be paved, allowing Afghanistan to free itself from external dependency based on the knowledge and capabilities of its own children." This comes as yesterday marked March 8, International Women's Day. This day is observed while women and girls in Afghanistan face severe restrictions. It should be noted that over the past three years, the caretaker government has imposed numerous restrictions on citizens, especially women and girls. Currently, girls and women are barred from attending school, university, and work, and are deprived of their most basic rights. In addition, women and girls are prohibited from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in UN offices in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the caretaker government in Afghanistan has repeatedly stated that citizens' rights, including women's rights, have been increasingly secured within the framework of Islamic laws in the country.

UNESCO, the educational, scientific, and cultural organization of the United Nations, has warned that if restrictions continue until 2030, the number of girls deprived of education will exceed four million. In a statement, the organization noted that the current government's restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan have already affected approximately 1.5 million female students. UNESCO has identified Afghanistan as the only country in the world where girls are banned from attending school. The organization added that this concerning regression occurs at a time when Afghanistan, after decades of progress, is now witnessing the destruction of women's educational achievements. It is worth mentioning that officials from the current government have consistently referred to the ban on girls' education as an internal issue for Afghanistan, emphasizing that their policies are based on Islamic Sharia. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the current government, stated in a message on the occasion of March 8, International Women's Day, that the rights of Afghan women in an Islamic and Afghan society differ significantly from the rights of women in Western societies. Mr. Mujahid said that when considering these differences, it should be taken into account that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are being upheld. Despite this, the caretaker government has imposed numerous restrictions on citizens over the past three years, particularly against women and girls. Currently, girls and women are banned from attending school, university, and work, and are deprived of their most basic rights. Additionally, women and girls are prohibited from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in UN offices in Afghanistan. This comes as the caretaker government in Afghanistan has repeatedly claimed that citizens' rights, including women's rights, have been increasingly secured within the framework of Islamic laws in the country.

On March 8, or International Women's Day, UNAMA (the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) has called on the interim government to lift the restrictions that deprive women and girls of their fundamental rights. In a statement released today (Saturday, March 9), UNAMA noted that women and girls in Afghanistan are systematically deprived of their rights in the areas of education, work, and social life. The organization emphasized that these restrictions not only violate human rights but also pose barriers to Afghanistan's progress, deepening poverty and isolation for millions. Part of the statement mentioned that the United Nations urges member states to demonstrate solidarity by amplifying the voices of Afghan women, supporting their leadership, and investing in their resilience and future. The statement also quoted Rosa Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, saying that the organization stands in full solidarity with Afghan women and girls and remains united in condemning their enduring erasure from social life. Ms. Otunbayeva emphasized, "We will continue to do what we can to invest in the resilience and leadership of Afghan women and girls, which is key to a prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan." She added that despite extraordinary challenges, Afghan women and girls continue to lead, build, and support their communities, and it is essential to place these women at the forefront of efforts to address current and emerging challenges. The United Nations stated that Afghan women have clearly expressed their demands to the international community, which include advocacy for the restoration of their rights and freedoms. Alison Davidian, head of the UN Women’s section in Afghanistan, stated: "Our response to the erasure of women from social life is a test of our commitment to women and girls around the world. We must stand with Afghan women because our lives depend on it." This comes at a time when the interim government has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls since taking control of Afghanistan. Currently, women and girls in Afghanistan are deprived of education, work, and freedom of movement. In these past three and a half years, despite global calls for respect for the rights of Afghan women, the current government has intensified these restrictions.

A group of protesting women, on the occasion of March 8, International Women's Day, stated that women in Afghanistan, particularly human rights activists, journalists, and female protesters, are facing one of the most severe humanitarian and legal crises in the world. The protesting women issued a statement calling on the international community and global organizations to increase pressure on the interim government to lift the educational, occupational, and social bans imposed on women. They emphasized that systematic restrictions, widespread violence, and the complete exclusion of women from social, political, and economic spheres in Afghanistan are clear examples of human rights violations and gender apartheid. The statement from the protesting women noted that since the current government's takeover, women have been deprived of their rights to education, work, freedom of expression, and participation in society. Furthermore, it mentioned that safe and legal pathways for the exit and resettlement of female protesters, journalists, human rights activists, and former military personnel facing threats and repression in Afghanistan and neighboring countries must be established. It is worth noting that over the past three years, the interim government has imposed numerous restrictions on citizens, especially women and girls. Currently, girls and women are banned from attending school, university, and work, and are deprived of their most basic rights. Additionally, women and girls are prohibited from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, receiving medical examinations by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs as well as even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan. This comes despite the interim government repeatedly claiming that citizens' rights, including women's rights, have been increasingly secured within the framework of Islamic laws in the country.