Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

7 months ago - 327 Visits

UNAMA, the political mission of the United Nations, states that women and girls with disabilities in Afghanistan are exposed to multiple forms of discrimination and violence, including domestic violence and sexual abuse. In a statement issued on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UNAMA praised the resilience, achievements, and leadership of persons with disabilities worldwide and in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of the slogan "Empowering Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." The statement indicates that this slogan reflects the key role of persons with disabilities in decision-making, policy development, and social leadership. The UN political mission in Afghanistan has urged the caretaker government to recognize the contributions of persons with disabilities to sustainable development in Afghanistan and to support the full implementation of relevant laws and policies, including the Law on the Rights and Privileges of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, the statement highlights the need to strengthen cooperation with organizations representing persons with disabilities and civil society. It states that efforts should be made to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and to remove systemic barriers that hinder their participation, particularly for women and girls. UNAMA added that despite the inspiration and strong will of persons with disabilities in Afghanistan, many face significant barriers to accessing education, employment, healthcare, and participation in public life. The organization notes that women and girls with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to various forms of discrimination and violence, including domestic violence and sexual abuse. The statement emphasizes the necessity for meaningful changes to address these challenges. Furthermore, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, also wrote in a message on his X account: "Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I stand with millions of citizens with disabilities in Afghanistan and call for local and global actions to protect their rights and amplify their voices. Let us strive for inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for all." Mr. Bennett urged all stakeholders, including the current government, humanitarian organizations, civil society, and the international community, to support the leadership of persons with disabilities and ensure they have a role in decision-making and future policymaking in Afghanistan.

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7 months ago - 288 Visits

The United Nations has announced in a report that while the number of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide has decreased by 39%, this figure has increased by 100% in Afghanistan, Egypt, Fiji, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Saudi Arabia. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) stated today (Sunday, December 2) in a report on the occasion of World AIDS Day that there are currently 39.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS. The report noted that the number of new HIV infections has decreased by 39% since 2010, and the mortality rate due to AIDS has halved. According to a section of the UN report, despite these global trends, Afghanistan, Egypt, Fiji, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Saudi Arabia have all reported a 100% increase in HIV infections between 2010 and 2023. The United Nations emphasized that if human rights are ensured for all, it would be possible to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Additionally, the UN called on global leaders to choose the path of "rights" so that communities can access HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services inclusively and without discrimination. The report also highlighted that significant progress in combating HIV is directly linked to advancements in protecting human rights. It stressed the importance of gender equality and respect for all individuals. The organization stated that laws that discriminate against individuals based on gender, belonging to key populations, or other social factors hinder access to HIV prevention and treatment services. The UN AIDS division called for the elimination of laws and policies that violate individuals' rights and emphasized the need for legislation that strengthens human rights. This entity believes that adhering to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and fostering inclusivity in communities can lead to the end of AIDS and the realization of human security. It is noteworthy that the United Nations commemorates December 1 as World AIDS Day, viewing this day as an opportunity for collective action to ensure the health of all individuals through the protection of human rights.

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7 months ago - 356 Visits

Local sources from Nangarhar province report that the Department of Education in this province has closed local girls' classes supported by aid organizations on the orders of the Ministry of Education. At least two sources said today (Sunday, December 2) that local classes in the districts of Kama, Dur Baba, Rodat, Momandara, Koot, Batikot, and Behsood, which were established with financial support from international organizations, including UNICEF, have recently been shut down. One source stated that the local classes in these districts were closed by the order of the Ministry of Education, and students were dismissed starting yesterday (Saturday, December 1). Another source emphasized that these classes were created by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for young girls. The source added that local classes for boys have not been closed and their lessons continue normally. This comes after local classes in Bamyan, Urozgan, Helmand, and Kandahar provinces were also shut down previously. The Ministry of Education has not officially commented on this matter yet. In these educational classes, out-of-school children, including girls, receive education. This situation arises as the rights and freedoms of women and girls have been severely restricted since the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan. In addition to the ban on education for girls above the sixth grade, women and girls have also been barred from attending universities. The current government's restrictions have left millions of schoolgirls without access to education. Additionally, women 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 non-governmental organizations, and even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.

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7 months ago - 392 Visits

The management of the Hussainzada trading market in Dasht-e Barchi, located in western Kabul, has made approximately 40 shops available to women and girls engaged in business for free for six months. These forty shops were inaugurated yesterday (Friday, November 29) during a ceremony by Hamza Qasemi, the manager of this trading market. Mr. Qasemi stated, "These shops, located on the third floor of the 'Hussainzada' market, have been provided free of charge to support women who are involved in small businesses." Nafeesa Hairan, one of the shopkeepers in this market, mentioned that various products, including handmade clothes, leather goods, and Hazara handicrafts, are sold in these stores. Mr. Hairan emphasized that the women and girls working in this market send raw materials such as fabric and thread to women in remote areas, creating job opportunities for hundreds of women. He added that the capital of these women varies from 100,000 to 500,000 Afghanis, which they have secured themselves, and their goal is to promote domestic production and self-sufficiency in trade. In this market, job opportunities have been created for over forty women and six men, and buying and selling are open to all. However, some women entrepreneurs have expressed concerns about the lack of a suitable market and have called for the organization of handicraft exhibitions both domestically and internationally. Several of them cite the importation of similar goods, travel visa restrictions, and challenges regarding raw materials as key obstacles to their work. They have stated that the market for imported foreign goods remains stronger than that for domestic products. This initiative comes at a time when the government has imposed severe restrictions on girls and women for over three years. Currently, girls and women are unable to attend school or university. The current government's actions have resulted in millions of female students being deprived of education. Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs, as well as even in UN offices in Afghanistan.

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7 months ago - 349 Visits

OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reports that 23.7 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance, including 9.2 million children. In a published report, the organization stated that the restrictions imposed on the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls are among the factors that have "challenged" the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The report further mentions that ongoing conflicts, entrenched poverty, high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, continuous internal displacements, widespread contamination from explosive materials, frequent natural disasters, the outbreak of pandemics, the effects of climate change, and political conditions are additional factors contributing to the difficult humanitarian situation in the country. Additionally, the World Food Programme, in its reports for November, stated that Afghanistan is one of 22 countries worldwide facing a hunger crisis, with 12.4 million people in the country experiencing "severe" food insecurity. The organization noted that many citizens of Afghanistan do not know how they will obtain their next meal. At the same time, in a post accompanied by a video on November 8, the organization mentioned that some families in Afghanistan are marrying off their young daughters due to extreme poverty and hunger.

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7 months ago - 213 Visits

Local media reports indicate that local authorities of the caretaker government in Bamiyan province have closed accelerated educational classes supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in this province. Reports indicate that these educational classes were established with financial support from UNICEF by the institutions "Afghan Development" and "National Development and Initiative" for girls who had dropped out of school and were below the sixth grade. At least three sources also confirmed that Enayatullah Sahar, the head of education in Bamiyan, instructed the heads of the education department in this province on (Tuesday, November 26) to close all accelerated classes supported by international organizations "until further notice." The reason for this action by the head of education in Bamiyan province is not yet clear. Sources say that around two thousand female students were attending these classes, most of whom were in the fourth and fifth grades. UNICEF has not yet commented on this matter. Additionally, media reports indicate that local officials in Urozgan province have recently closed UNICEF educational classes and those of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Previously, educational classes of aid organizations in Helmand and Kandahar provinces had also been closed. This comes at a time when, following the return of the caretaker government to power in Afghanistan, the rights and freedoms of women and girls have been severely restricted, and in addition to the ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade, women and girls have also been prohibited from attending universities. The current government's restrictions have resulted in millions of female students being deprived of education. Furthermore, women are banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs as well as even in UN offices in Afghanistan.

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7 months ago - 329 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari Since the change of regime in Afghanistan in 2021, religious minorities in the country have faced serious threats and targeted brutal attacks. These religious groups, particularly Shia and Sufi communities, have continuously fallen victim to violence and terrorism. The caretaker government, which is responsible for ensuring the security of all Afghan citizens, has so far failed to prevent such heartbreaking incidents. In the latest example of this violence, a bloody terrorist attack occurred at the shrine of "Sayed Padshah Aqa Sadat" in the Nahreen district of Baghlan province. An armed assailant, using a silenced weapon, opened fire on a group of defenseless worshippers who were sitting on prayer mats, killing ten Sufi followers. Videos released from this tragic incident clearly show that these individuals were engaged in worship and prayer when they became targets of this brutal attack. Factors and Roots of Terrorist Attacks against Shia and Sufi Communities Many terrorist and brutal attacks against religious minorities, often carried out by extremist groups such as ISIS, stem from radical and extremist interpretations of Islam that view any ideological or religious difference as a deviation that must be met with violence. Sufis, due to their beliefs and practices deemed deviant by extremist groups, have consistently been targeted. The numerous attacks by takfiri groups in Afghanistan indicate that these groups have particularly focused their brutal operations against Shia and Sufi communities. The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted the increase in violence against these minorities in Afghanistan in its reports. For instance, in its 2023 report, the organization noted at least four major attacks against Sufis in Afghanistan, resulting in dozens of casualties. Among these attacks are the assault on the "Sahib Khalifa" mosque in Kabul and the "Mawlawi Sikandar Sufi" mosque in Kunduz, both occurring in 2022 with heavy casualties. The suicide bombing at Imam Zaman Mosque in Pul Khumri last year during Friday prayers, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of Shia individuals, is just one prominent example of these attacks against Shia communities in Afghanistan. The Government's Failure to Ensure the Security of Religious Minorities While it was expected that the caretaker government, as the new rulers of Afghanistan, would ensure the security of all citizens, especially religious minorities, they have not only failed in this regard but have also attempted to restrict the religious freedoms of these groups. Local sources in Baghlan report that the current rulers have not only limited the holding of religious ceremonies for Shia Muslims but have also warned Sufis to refrain from conducting their spiritual gatherings. The current government's failure to secure the safety of Shia and Sufi communities indicates that terrorist networks in Afghanistan are well-organized and capable of carrying out complex operations. It must be noted that the continuation of this trend not only jeopardizes the security of Afghanistan but could also contribute to regional instability. To combat this threat, the international community must exert more pressure on the current rulers of Afghanistan to fulfill their commitments regarding counter-terrorism. Additionally, supporting civil society and human rights activists in Afghanistan can play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the dangers of extremism and terrorism. Reasons for the Government's Failure to Ensure Security One of the main reasons for the government's failure to establish security for religious minorities is its "lack of commitment to international obligations." The caretaker government undertook commitments to ensure the security of all Afghans, including religious minorities, by signing the Doha Agreement. However, in practice, this group has not adhered to many of these commitments. The presence of extremist groups such as ISIS-Khorasan also poses a significant challenge to security in Afghanistan. These groups directly attack religious minorities with their highly extremist ideologies, threatening security in the country. On the other hand, the structural and managerial weaknesses of the current rulers present a major obstacle to ensuring security in the country. The leaders face serious challenges in establishing an efficient and accountable government. The lack of professional security forces, bureaucratic corruption, and insufficient infrastructure have all adversely affected the current rulers' ability to maintain security. Furthermore, the caretaker government's discriminatory policies against religious minorities, especially Shia and Sufi communities, have exacerbated tensions and insecurity. Restrictions such as bans on religious ceremonies, destruction of sacred sites, and discrimination in access to public services have heightened feelings of insecurity and distrust among minorities. These policies not only fail to contribute to the stability and security of the country but also fuel hatred and animosity. Another major challenge faced by the caretaker government in ensuring security is the absence of a strong and centralized governmental structure. The current rulers have come to power as a militia group and lack sufficient experience in managing a complex and multicultural country. This has resulted in decision-making often being based on short-term and group interests, neglecting the interests of the entire country, particularly those of minority groups. Consequences of the Government's Failure to Ensure Security The caretaker government's failure to secure the citizens of Afghanistan, particularly religious minorities, has had widespread and detrimental consequences for the country. These repercussions have not only affected the security and stability of Afghanistan but have also exacerbated humanitarian and social crises. One of the most significant consequences of this failure is the escalation of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan. The ongoing terrorist attacks against religious minorities have created an atmosphere of fear and terror within society, eroding the already limited trust of the people in the government. This insecurity has driven away investments, disrupted economic activities, and hindered the reconstruction of the country. Furthermore, the continuation of this situation could lead to the expansion of activities by other terrorist groups and an increase in security threats in the region. Another important consequence of the government's failure in this regard is the displacement of thousands of Afghan people. Terrorist attacks have forced individuals to leave their homes, resulting in a widespread humanitarian crisis. Internally displaced persons face numerous challenges, including a lack of shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare services. This situation has placed immense pressure on the country's limited resources and exacerbated Afghanistan's economic and social problems. Additionally, terrorist attacks against religious minorities have fueled ethnic and religious tensions in Afghanistan and weakened national unity. These attacks have intensified feelings of animosity and hatred among various ethnic and religious groups, leading to deep divisions within society. This environment has obstructed the establishment of an inclusive and accountable government and contributed to the prolongation of the crisis in Afghanistan. The insecurity and instability stemming from terrorist attacks have also worsened the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The need for humanitarian assistance to provide food, medicine, shelter, and other basic necessities for displaced individuals and victims of these attacks has significantly increased. Moreover, this crisis has complicated access to healthcare and education services, causing serious harm to the future generation of Afghanistan. In addition to domestic consequences, the current government's failure to ensure the security of religious minorities has had international repercussions as well. This situation has created a negative image of Afghanistan in the world and reduced international support for the country. Furthermore, it has led to increased tensions in the region and foreign interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs. Effective Solutions for Ensuring the Security of Religious Minorities The caretaker government's failure to ensure the security of religious minorities in Afghanistan has posed serious challenges for the country. To overcome this situation, a set of solutions at both domestic and international levels is essential. At the domestic level, the government must first fulfill its commitments to ensure the security of all citizens of Afghanistan without any discrimination. This requires creating a safe and stable environment for all ethnic and religious groups. Additionally, the government should enhance its management and security capacities by strengthening its governmental structures. Establishing professional and trained security forces, combating administrative corruption, and creating a fair judicial system are among the necessary actions in this regard. Furthermore, the current rulers should promote a discourse of tolerance and coexistence to help reduce ethnic and religious tensions. Creating equal opportunities for all citizens, respecting human rights, and upholding fundamental freedoms are crucial steps that can strengthen national unity. At the international level, the global community must support efforts to ensure security and stability in Afghanistan. Providing humanitarian assistance, investing in various economic and social sectors, and supporting reconstruction and development programs are actions that can help improve the situation in Afghanistan. Additionally, the international community should encourage the current rulers of the country to adhere to their international commitments through diplomacy and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Regional cooperation is also vital in this context. Afghanistan's neighboring countries can contribute to reducing violence and insecurity by playing a constructive role in the peace and stability process. One of the most important strategies for addressing insecurity in the country is to strengthen regional cooperation. Afghanistan's neighboring countries can help reduce security threats in the region by establishing a joint mechanism to combat terrorism and extremism. Moreover, these countries can assist in enhancing stability and security in Afghanistan by supporting the government in various areas. Inclusive dialogue is another significant strategy for resolving Afghanistan's crisis. Creating a dialogue space among all political and social groups in Afghanistan can help find common solutions to the country's problems. Additionally, holding international conferences with representatives from various countries, international organizations, and civil society groups can raise global awareness about the situation in Afghanistan and mobilize effective international assistance.

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7 months ago - 315 Visits

Local sources from Herat province report that the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has closed all women-only cafés in Herat. At least three sources have confirmed that all women-only cafés have been shut down by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue under the caretaker government in Herat. One source stated that following the deprivation of girls from education, some girls and women had taken the initiative to create women-only cafés. According to available information, at least five women-only cafés were operating in Herat, which were recently closed by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue under the pretext of playing music and allowing women to enter. Local officials of the caretaker government in Herat have not yet made any official statements regarding this matter. This comes at a time when women and girls have faced systematic repression for over three years under the current regime. The restrictions imposed by the current government have resulted in millions of school-aged girls being deprived of education. Additionally, women have been banned from attending sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both domestic and international non-governmental organizations, as well as in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.

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7 months ago - 343 Visits

The morality police of the caretaker government in Herat are shutting down women-only cafés. At least three sources reported today (Monday, November 25) that out of the active women-only cafés in Herat, three have been closed by the morality police. Local officials of the current government in Herat have not officially commented on this action so far. Café managers had previously stated that government forces threatened to close these cafés under the pretext of music playing, the presence of uncovered women, and the use of tobacco. They emphasized that the café managers comply with the restrictions imposed by government officials. Currently, five women-only cafés are operating in Herat. These cafés were established after the current government imposed restrictions on the simultaneous presence of men and women in restaurants and cafés in Herat. It is worth noting that since the takeover of the caretaker government, this group has imposed severe educational and occupational restrictions on women. These restrictions have primarily affected families where women are the breadwinners.

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8 months ago - 322 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari Throughout the tumultuous history of Afghanistan, Afghan women have engaged in a monumental struggle and resilience to secure their fundamental rights and achieve an equal status with men in all areas of social, political, and economic life. This struggle, rooted deeply in the history of Afghanistan, has been influenced by complex internal and external developments, including prolonged wars, changes in political regimes, and social and cultural transformations, and has always been accompanied by many ups and downs. Afghan women have consistently sought to establish their place in society and attain equal rights throughout history. Their struggles under various regimes and in the face of deeply traditional cultures demonstrate that Afghan girls and women are resilient and tireless in their quest for identity and recognition. Women's Struggles before the 1990s Before the rule of the first caretaker government, Afghan women had a significant presence in various fields, including education, employment, and political participation. The first constitution of Afghanistan granted women equal rights with men, and women were active in many public and private professions. Their presence in universities and schools led to an increase in their political and social awareness, gradually enhancing women's roles in important decision-making processes within the country. Despite these advancements, gender inequalities remained one of the main challenges facing Afghan society, with women in many rural areas and regions controlled by warlords having limited access to educational and health facilities. Nevertheless, there was hope for a better future for all Afghan women, and many women's rights activists sought to expand women's rights and freedoms across all areas of life. Unfortunately, even these minimal advancements were fragile; with the rise of the caretaker government in the late 1990s, all women's achievements quickly vanished. Those in power imposed strict and restrictive laws that excluded women from all social and political spheres, confining them to their homes. During the first term of the caretaker government, women were banned from education, work, and public spaces, forced to stay at home, and required to obtain a religious permit for even the slightest activity. These severe restrictions not only harmed women and girls but also severely impacted Afghanistan's economy and development. However, Afghan women never surrendered; they continued their progressive activities secretly. With the fall of the first caretaker government's authority in 2001, Afghan women regained hope and sought to reclaim their lost rights. The Dawn of Hope and the Beginning of Transformations The fall of the caretaker government in 2001, after years of oppression, heralded a new dawn of hope for the women of Afghanistan. With the establishment of the republican regime, a new chapter in the history of this country was written. The enactment of laws supporting women's rights, the opening of schools and universities for girls, and the encouragement of women's participation in political and social spheres were all significant steps towards improving the status of women. Afghan women, who had been deprived of active participation in society for years, were now eagerly pursuing their dreams. Although these transformations were slow and accompanied by numerous challenges, they reflected the strong determination of both the international community and the people of Afghanistan to create a better future for women. Despite significant progress under the republican regime, the challenges facing Afghan women remained very serious and complex. Widespread insecurity, internal conflicts, pervasive poverty, entrenched gender discrimination, and patriarchal traditions continued to serve as major obstacles to realizing women's rights. Rural and remote areas faced even more dire conditions due to a lack of educational and healthcare facilities. Additionally, traditional views and misconceptions about women's roles in society made it difficult to change these beliefs gradually. Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure, administrative corruption, and a lack of equal job opportunities were among other challenges that Afghan women faced. The Darkness Returns and Steadfast Struggle Unfortunately, with the resurgence of the caretaker government in 2021, all the achievements of the past twenty years regarding women's rights faced serious threats. The leaders of this government imposed severe restrictions on women, prohibiting them from education, work, public presence, and even leaving their homes without a male guardian. These actions not only violated women's basic rights but also inflicted serious harm on the future of the country. Nevertheless, Afghan women did not succumb; they continued their protests and resistance for justice and equality. Women's rights activists, human rights defenders, and international organizations united to amplify the voices of Afghan women to the world and to advocate for improvements in their situation. This struggle continues despite all hardships and dangers, with hope that one day Afghan women will achieve their equal rights in peace and security.

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