UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has announced that in the year 2024, more than 500 children have been killed or injured due to the explosion of unexploded ordnance left over from the war in Afghanistan. UNICEF released this statistic today (Sunday, January 6) in a statement on its X account. The United Nations Children's Fund emphasized that last year, awareness and education about the dangers of landmines and other unexploded ordnance were provided to approximately three million children in Afghanistan. According to reports, millions of square meters of land in Afghanistan are contaminated with landmines and other unexploded ordnance. Recently, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan stated that in 2024, 455 individuals have been killed or injured in incidents related to explosive hazards. The ICRC emphasized that this year, 234 incidents related to explosive hazards have been recorded in Afghanistan. The International Committee of the Red Cross added that Afghanistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to explosive hazards. Due to decades of war, parts of Afghanistan are contaminated with mines and explosive materials. The United Nations states that three million people in Afghanistan live within a one-kilometer radius of landmines and explosive remnants of war. The ICRC has reported that together with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, they have raised awareness for over 240,000 people across the country in 2024. It should be noted that in recent months, the number of casualties from landmine explosions has increased due to the return of Afghan migrants to the country. The demining organization "HALO Trust" recently reported that over 65 square kilometers of land in Afghanistan are contaminated with homemade explosives. It is worth mentioning that decades of war and the presence of various groups have contributed to the planting of these mines in Afghanistan.

The result of a new study on the economic consequences of excluding women and girls in Afghanistan from education and work shows that the Taliban government's ban costs the Afghan economy more than $1.4 billion annually. Harry Anthony Patrinos, head of educational policy at the University of Arkansas, and Raja Bentaouet Kattan, an education expert at the World Bank, along with Rafiuddin Najm, an economist at American University, are the authors of this research. These three researchers published their findings on economic changes using labor and household data from Afghanistan for the years 2007, 2014, and 2020 on the Conversation website. They emphasized in their study that the financial loss from excluding women and girls from education and work is greater than previous estimates made by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Two years ago, UNICEF announced that the ban on secondary education for girls had caused at least $500 million in damage to Afghanistan's economy. This new study emphasizes that the estimated financial loss only includes direct financial impacts and does not account for social costs resulting from reduced education levels for women, such as negative effects on health, children's education, and social inequalities. Researchers clarified the economic impact of current government actions against women by stating that Afghanistan's GDP in 2023 was only $17 billion. These experts stressed that investing in women's education not only leads to economic growth but also has long-term social benefits such as improved public health and reduced poverty, resulting in higher school attendance rates and better health for children. The authors of the study emphasize that the continuation of this ban will eliminate educational and economic opportunities for generations and will pose deeper challenges for Afghanistan. Part of this research states that investing in women's education affects not only the women themselves but also brings economic and social benefits that can last for generations. These benefits include higher school attendance rates and improved health for children. The research compares the impact of women's education and work on the country's economy during the period following the fall of the current government in 2001 with the year 2020. The results indicate that when educational opportunities are provided for women and girls, child mortality rates decreased by half, and gross national income nearly tripled. The study examines the role of education in economic growth globally, noting that the average return on investment in education is about 9 percent for each additional year of schooling. The analysis shows that while the return on investment in education in Afghanistan is low, it significantly increases when focusing on women's education. According to the findings of this research, for each additional year of schooling for a woman, her income increases by an average of 13 percent.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) states that empowering women and girls in Afghanistan is essential for a brighter future. In a message posted on its X account, the organization noted that it has supported thousands of women in various sectors of empowerment in Afghanistan. UNAMA has stated that through its joint approach, it has empowered thousands of Afghan women to take the lead in income-generating initiatives, strengthen their financial stability, and guide their communities towards greater resilience. The organization emphasized that this program provides training in skills such as sewing, embroidery, and food processing to women and girls. It further mentioned that this training has helped them not only produce high-quality products but also create a sustainable source of income for themselves and their families. UNAMA added that this program is being implemented in collaboration with international organizations, aiming to reduce poverty and empower Afghan women. According to this agency, such programs play a crucial role in fostering hope and strengthening local communities. While UN agencies are striving to empower women through self-employment, the interim government in Afghanistan has severely restricted work opportunities for women and girls. Women are barred from working in many sectors and even in the offices of UN organizations. Nevertheless, small and medium-sized businesses remain one of the few remaining opportunities for women and girls.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recently stated that women, children, and persons with disabilities in Afghanistan are at the forefront of crises. In a published report, the ICRC noted that Afghanistan will continue to face significant humanitarian challenges in 2024, stemming from economic crises, natural disasters, and the consequences of prolonged conflicts. The ICRC emphasized that international sanctions and a decrease in foreign aid have created further problems across Afghanistan. The report continued by stating that these issues have worsened the situation in a country where millions are facing poverty, food insecurity, and difficulties accessing healthcare. It highlighted that the condition of women, children, and persons with disabilities throughout Afghanistan is alarming, and they are exposed to the greatest risks. The report cited Katrin Ritz, head of the ICRC delegation, stating that Afghanistan urgently needs the attention and long-term assistance of the international community to address this critical situation. Additionally, part of the report mentioned the dangers posed by explosive materials in various regions of Afghanistan, describing explosives as a serious threat to the Afghan people. The report provided statistics indicating that in 2024, 455 civilians, including 359 children, lost their lives or were injured in 234 incidents related to these dangers. The ICRC emphasized that, in collaboration with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, it has trained over 240,000 people in areas contaminated by explosive ordnance to help reduce risks. The committee added that alongside physical rehabilitation programs for more than 200,000 persons with disabilities in Afghanistan, it has assisted them in starting new lives. Moreover, the report stressed the necessity for greater attention from the international community to the immediate and long-term needs of the Afghan people, especially women and children.

The Journalists' Support Organization in Afghanistan has recently announced that approximately 58% of female journalists do not have access to legal channels in case their requests for information are denied. On Tuesday, January 1, the organization published a report stating that the majority of "Emirate" institutions, particularly the office of the Prime Minister of the interim government, do not provide information to women journalists, who face challenges in accessing information in Afghanistan. The report further mentions that the office of the current Prime Minister provides relatively easier access to information for independent analysts and health workers. According to the report, women journalists across Afghanistan are facing serious problems regarding access to information. The report specifically highlights the restrictions imposed by security institutions and current rulers, especially the office of the Prime Minister, on female journalists. Based on the findings of this report, the interim government shares information with female journalists due to gender discrimination and fear of exposing truths. The organization emphasized that about 38% of women journalists attribute their lack of access to information to gender discrimination, while 33% consider fear of truth exposure as the main reason for informational restrictions. Furthermore, around 58% of female journalists stated that they have no referral to legal authorities or are unable to do so if their requests for information are denied. The Journalists' Support Organization added that this situation indicates a weakness in legal and informational mechanisms. The report mentions that at least two-thirds of respondents pointed to the lack of legal guarantees and believe that there is no security for them against an unaccountable regime. The report from the Journalists' Support Organization in Afghanistan emphasizes that support for freedom of expression and defense of journalists' rights, especially those of female journalists, is more essential now than ever. It is worth noting that following the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, extensive restrictions have been imposed on media and particularly on women journalists. According to findings from the UN Women section, after the current government's return to power in Afghanistan, 80% of female journalists were forced to leave their jobs due to restrictions, harassment, and intimidation.

OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Afghanistan, has announced that challenges against the activities of female employees in domestic and international NGOs have increased. This office stated today (Tuesday, January 1) in a recent survey that many women and girls across Afghanistan are no longer able to work from the office or in the field. According to the survey conducted by OCHA, women and girls in Afghanistan were able to travel to service points earlier this year, but now this ability has been taken away from them. In part of its report, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Afghanistan emphasized that there have not been significant changes in the activities of health institutions. The survey noted that in September of this year, the percentage of women who could travel for humanitarian assistance was 64%, but it has now decreased to 52%. This international organization has identified the government’s enforcement of morality and prohibition laws as one of these challenges and emphasized that this law has primarily hindered women's activities. According to the survey conducted by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Afghanistan, 43% of aid organizations reported that some women have been forced to leave their jobs due to the restrictive orders of the current government. This comes as, in a recent incident, the Ministry of Economy of the interim government, following an order from the group's leader, has once again warned international organizations not to employ women and to prevent them from working in offices.

The Akbar Institute, or the "Coordination of Humanitarian and Development Assistance for Afghans," has recently stated that the new warning from the Ministry of Economy regarding the ban on women's work in domestic and international NGOs does not apply to the health and education sectors. In a published statement, the institute noted that this directive also does not include women who work online. Furthermore, it stated that female employees who travel from home to the field and back are not affected by this directive, as they usually travel with a "mahram" (male guardian). The Akbar Institute emphasized that this directive is a continuation of the ban on women's work in domestic and international NGOs, which has never been revoked and primarily affects organizations that require female staff to be present in the office daily. Additionally, in part of its statement, the Akbar Institute recommended that female employees of NGOs maintain "full hijab" while at the office and be accompanied by a mahram. The statement specified that female employees must wear hijab not only on their way to work but also inside the office. It further stated that offices should have separate entrances, rest areas, and prayer rooms for female employees, and the presence of female staff in offices should be justified, especially in the health and education sectors, with clear objectives for their presence. According to the statement, these justifications are essential in case of surprise visits by the caretaker government’s forces to the offices. The "Coordination of Humanitarian and Development Assistance for Afghans" clarified: "All staff must be appropriately informed to provide suitable responses in case of visits, inquiries, or related situations." This comes as the Ministry of Economy of the current government recently warned institutions about violations of the ban on women's work, stating that the activities of non-compliant institutions will be suspended and their licenses revoked. In a letter, a copy of which was also received by the media outlet Goharshad, the ministry stated: "Once again, all respected non-Emirati (government) institutions are directed to take into account written document number (4293) from this ministry regarding the suspension of female employment in separate institutions and to take necessary actions accordingly." The ministry has warned that if institutions do not cooperate regarding the ban on women's work, all activities of non-compliant institutions will be suspended, and their licenses will be revoked. The Ministry of Economy of the caretaker government banned women's work in domestic and international NGOs on December 24, 2022. The ministry stated that it imposed this ban due to complaints about non-compliance with "hijab" and regulations. It is worth noting that following this directive, the current government also banned women's work in United Nations offices. Over the past two years, the people of Afghanistan and countries around the world have repeatedly called for the lifting of the ban on women's work, but officials of the current government have not yet responded to these requests.

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the interim government of Afghanistan, has issued a new decree emphasizing that women should not be seen from the windows of neighboring houses while coming and going or cooking, continuing the imposition of restrictions on women and girls. In a five-article decree published on Saturday, December 28, by the current government's administration on its X account, it is stated that the construction of windows that have a direct view into neighboring houses is prohibited. The first article of this decree states that when constructing new buildings, if the distance is one path from another house, they are not allowed to have a window facing kitchens, water wells, or places where women are typically seen. This is because women, by custom and habit, sit near windows. Additionally, the second article states that according to the first article, if previously constructed buildings have windows with a direct view into a neighbor's house, the owner of the building is obligated to build a wall of human height in front of it or to otherwise mitigate the "harm" to the neighbor. In the third article, Akhundzada has instructed municipalities and other institutions under the control of the current government to oversee construction to prevent the installation of windows that have views into neighboring houses. It continues: "Those buildings that were constructed before this decree was issued and whose windows are installed in a manner that contradicts the provisions of this decree, the owners of those buildings are required to mitigate harm to their neighbors by constructing a wall of human height or through any other means." It is worth noting that since the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, more than 80 restrictive decrees against women have been issued. In the third year of the current government's rule, Hibatullah Akhundzada ratified the law on Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice with an introduction, four chapters, and 35 articles, emphasizing that this law must be implemented throughout Afghanistan. Articles three and thirteen of this law impose restrictions on women. According to these articles, women are required to cover their entire body and even their faces and to refrain from raising their voices or appearing in public places without adhering to hijab. Furthermore, the Minister of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice had previously announced that even hearing women's voices during prayer is not permissible for one another.

The United Nations Security Council has called for the repeal of the decree on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" by the interim government of Afghanistan, as well as the order to close health institutes to girls. In a statement issued today (Saturday, December 28), the organization urged the current government to fully respect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. The statement emphasized that the current government should not provide shelter to terrorist groups on Afghan soil and should combat them. These decisions were made during a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan held on December 12. The UN Security Council stressed: "Members of this council express concern over the dire economic situation and obstacles to humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and call for the removal of these barriers." The council also demanded the release of the assets of Afghanistan's central bank. Additionally, the UN Security Council highlighted in part of its statement that drug cultivation in Afghanistan has provided financial support to terrorist groups that threaten global and regional security, and this issue must be addressed as soon as possible. Council members emphasized the effective role of the United Nations in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan and called for engagement with the current government through the Doha process. This comes at a time when the current government has consistently dismissed the international community's concerns regarding these issues as baseless. It should be noted that during more than three years of their rule, the current government has prohibited girls above sixth grade from education, closed university doors to women and girls, barred women from working in most government offices and all foreign institutions, restricted women's access to recreational parks, and recently denied women and girls education in medical institutes as well.

Officials from the Ministry of Public Health of the caretaker government have announced that 72% of people in rural areas of Afghanistan do not have access to primary and secondary health services. In a statement, the ministry noted that out of a total of 400 districts, there are hospitals in only 93 districts across the country. It further mentioned that health services in remote areas of Afghanistan have not been adequately addressed in recent decades. The Ministry of Public Health emphasized that due to the lack of hospitals in villages, patients often seek treatment for many minor health issues at health centers in provincial capitals. The ministry has announced plans to expand services in remote regions, stating that funding for the construction of 318 hospitals in the districts has been allocated by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the current government. The construction process will begin after the completion of legal and administrative procedures. According to information provided by the Ministry of Public Health, there are currently 13,000 hospital beds in the country, and with the construction of new hospitals, an additional 10,000 beds will be added. Additionally, the ministry has stated that 27,000 professional and administrative staff are expected to be hired for the new hospitals. The Ministry of Public Health has indicated that each hospital costs between 23 to 37 million Afghanis and will increase access to primary health services and the number of available beds. The ministry also clarified that contracts for five hospitals have been signed, and others are ready for contracting. It should be noted that maternal and child mortality rates have increased due to the lack of basic health services in remote areas of Afghanistan. Recently, the Deputy Minister for Policy at the Ministry of Public Health claimed in a press conference in Kabul that Afghanistan does not face a shortage of female health workers. Mohammad Hasan Ghiyasi, Deputy Minister for Policy at the Ministry of Public Health, commented on the consequences of banning medical education for women in Afghanistan, stating that nearly 30,000 midwives are present in the country. This comes at a time when the caretaker government has also closed health institutes to women and girls.