Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

8 months ago - 287 Visits

The World Food Program (WFP) has announced that by the year 2025, more than 3.5 million children under five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Afghanistan will face acute malnutrition. On Tuesday, December 17, the organization published a report providing statistics indicating that malnutrition in Afghanistan has significantly increased compared to last year, exacerbating the nutritional crisis in the country. The WFP attributed the primary causes of this situation to severe poverty, widespread diseases, and limited access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the organization emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent the situation from worsening. According to the WFP report, 11.6 million people, equivalent to 25% of the population, are in a state of crisis or worse, while this figure had reached 15.3 million in 2023. The report also indicates that forecasts show that during the winter months from November 2024 to March 2025, the number of individuals in need of urgent food assistance will increase to 14.8 million. The report highlights that malnutrition in Afghanistan is rising sharply, with approximately 3.5 million children under five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of acute malnutrition by 2025. This represents a 28% increase compared to 2024. The WFP emphasized that eight out of ten families in Afghanistan cannot secure enough food for their dietary needs. To address this crisis, the organization has initiated its winter operations and plans to provide food assistance to over six million people from November 2024 to April 2025. The report states that among those in need, 1.5 million individuals live in hard-to-reach areas such as Badakhshan, Bamyan, Ghor, and Daikundi, which will face heavy snowfall. According to the organization, over 62,000 tons of food have already been sent to these areas, and distribution has begun for 854,000 people. Additionally, the report mentions that nearly 819,000 children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are enrolled in the organization's malnutrition prevention programs. The World Food Program further stressed the immediate need for increased international support and warned that without effective assistance, the achievements made in combating food crises will be at risk of being lost in Afghanistan.

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8 months ago - 288 Visits

Thomas Nicholson, the European Union's Special Representative for Afghanistan, has announced that during his meetings with officials of the interim government, he raised the issue of the ban on girls' education in medical institutes, but they were unable to provide an explanation for the issuance of this directive. Mr. Nicholson stated in a press release that he was in Afghanistan from December 9 to 13 and met with current government officials, including Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the political deputy of the Prime Minister, as well as representatives from the United Nations, international organizations, members of civil society, women, businessmen, and journalists. He emphasized that the current government officials were unable to explain the "disastrous" consequences of the ban on girls' education in medical institutes for the health of women and children during these meetings. The EU Special Representative added that the current government also has no specific plan to reverse this decision and the ban on girls' education in secondary schools and universities. He mentioned that in his discussions with current government officials and others, he also addressed the law on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice." He stated: "Many Afghans explained how this law has complicated the work of companies and organizations and has severely impacted women's ability to move around, work, access services, and support their families." This European official noted that the challenges arising from the law on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" have led to increased costs for EU partners in providing aid to the people of Afghanistan and reduced operational space. It should be noted that two weeks ago, current government officials banned girls from studying in medical institutes, and prior to that, they had enforced the law on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice," which even prohibits women from being heard outside their homes. Since the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, the European Union has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to the country while simultaneously expressing its concerns about human rights violations, particularly regarding women's rights.

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8 months ago - 232 Visits

The World Food Program has recently announced that with the arrival of winter, millions of families in Afghanistan are facing cold without enough food. Today (Monday, December 16), the program stated on its X account that most of those in need are forced to make an impossible choice. It further mentioned that these families have to choose between feeding their children or keeping them warm. The World Food Program had previously stated that 14.8 million people in Afghanistan would need urgent assistance in the upcoming winter. Additionally, OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, has indicated that $603.5 million is urgently needed to address vulnerable areas in Afghanistan during the winter season. This office had requested $3.06 billion for humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan this year; however, it is reported that part of this funding has been secured. According to OCHA, over 23 million people in Afghanistan are in need of assistance. Foreign relief organizations have also predicted that a difficult winter awaits the people of Afghanistan.

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8 months ago - 226 Visits

A number of protesting women and members of the Purple Saturdays movement have criticized the performance of Rosa Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, accusing her of failing to defend human rights and social justice, and calling for her dismissal. On Sunday, December 25, the Purple Saturdays movement issued a statement urging the United Nations to immediately change its policies towards Afghanistan and replace Ms. Otunbayeva with a more capable individual. The statement further noted that this organization's engagement policy has not only strengthened the position of the current government but has also directly contributed to the systematic suppression of women's rights. The statement described UNAMA's approach as conciliatory, claiming it indirectly legitimizes the current government and exacerbates the human rights situation in Afghanistan. The protesting women have strongly criticized Rosa Otunbayeva's performance, accusing her of being unable to defend human rights and social justice, and calling for her replacement with a qualified and impartial person who can effectively fulfill UNAMA's mission in Afghanistan. The Purple Saturdays movement also called on all human rights organizations, media, and the international community to increase pressure on the United Nations to ensure that it plays its true role in supporting human rights standards in Afghanistan. Additionally, this movement has urged countries like China and Russia to take seriously the threats and presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. The movement emphasized that Afghanistan needs positive change more than ever, asserting that only the establishment of a legitimate, democratic, and decentralized system can provide a sustainable solution to the current crisis. It should be noted that the current government has closed girls' schools beyond the sixth grade and banned women's access to universities and health institutes. The government's restrictions have resulted in millions of girls being deprived of education. Moreover, women have been 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.

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8 months ago - 327 Visits

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has stated that the ban on girls' education in health institutes in Afghanistan is indefensible. Ms. Thomas-Greenfield made these remarks during a meeting of the UN Security Council, emphasizing that the imposition of this ban by the caretaker government is unacceptable. She stressed that the current government's restrictions disrupt humanitarian assistance from countries and international organizations to Afghanistan. The U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN added that she has engaged with the caretaker government in a bilateral manner to assist the people of the country. Ms. Thomas-Greenfield stated that women and girls must have a role in the Doha process. She affirmed that the United States stands with the women of Afghanistan. This comes as the current government, following its repressive actions against women, recently closed girls' health institutes. Just three days ago, the U.S. Department of State stated that the ban on girls attending health institutes imposed by the current government is an unjustifiable attack on their access to education. It should be noted that the current government has closed girls' schools above the sixth grade and banned women's entry into universities and health institutes. The government's restrictions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being deprived of education. In addition, women have been prohibited 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 in UN offices in Afghanistan.

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8 months ago - 225 Visits

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, has reacted to the restrictions against women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that the discriminatory policies of the current regime threaten their rights and lives. In a message posted on his X account, Mr. Blinken condemned the discriminatory orders of the current government against Afghan women and girls. He emphasized that these actions not only represent a clear violation of human rights but also jeopardize the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan. The U.S. Secretary of State further added that the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in society is not only a matter of gender equality but is also vital for social and economic progress and stability. He stated that his country firmly supports the rights of Afghan women and girls. Antony Blinken reiterated his commitment that the U.S. will continue its efforts to ensure that women and girls in Afghanistan have equal opportunities in society. The Secretary of State made these remarks as the current regime, after taking control of Afghanistan, has imposed severe laws and restrictions, including banning girls from attending higher education and prohibiting women from working, raising widespread concerns in the international community. In its latest action, the current government has also closed health institutes to girls, adding to concerns about the future of healthcare services in Afghanistan.

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8 months ago - 360 Visits

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari In their latest restrictive measure against women, the caretaker government has banned the education of girls in medical institutes across Afghanistan "until further notice." According to reports from Afghan news agencies, officials from medical institutes in Kabul and other provinces have confirmed that the Ministry of Public Health issued this directive to all these centers last week. Available information indicates that this ban was directly ordered by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the government based in Kandahar, and the Ministry of Public Health has been tasked with its implementation. One official from a medical institute in Kabul emphasized in conversations with some journalists that this directive was issued under the direct supervision of the government leader and applies to all private and public medical training centers. In this context, an audio message attributed to a government official has been circulated, addressing the heads of medical institutes, stating that the education of female students is prohibited until further notice. This message also warns that government intelligence forces will closely monitor medical institutes, and if they observe the presence of girls in these centers, they will shut them down. This message, which has rapidly circulated on social media, has raised serious concerns. Several female students in Kabul have also confirmed this ban, stating that they have been instructed to refrain from attending their classes. This action by the current rulers is a continuation of the extensive restrictions they have imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, causing deep concern among the local community and international human rights organizations. Many observers believe that this decision directly limits educational and employment opportunities for women and will have irreparable negative consequences for the country's health system. Complete Exclusion of Women and Girls from the Education Cycle in Afghanistan The current government has taken the final step toward the complete exclusion of women and girls from the education cycle in Afghanistan by banning the education of girls in medical institutes. Previously, public and private medical institutes served as the only remaining educational opportunity for Afghan girls, allowing women to continue their two-year studies in these centers. Many girls utilized this pathway to improve their professional and living conditions. Now, with the implementation of this ban, the rulers have eliminated the last hopes for women's education, completely depriving them of access to learning. This prohibition is part of the systematic policies of the government aimed at removing women from the fields of education and employment in Afghanistan. After seizing power, this group initially prohibited all girls above the sixth grade from attending school. This restriction has been in place for over three years, leaving approximately one and a half million adolescent girls deprived of their right to education in schools. Subsequently, the caretaker government made another decision to ban women's education in public and private universities, preventing thousands of female students, including final-year students, from continuing their studies. These actions, carried out with a gradual yet targeted strategy, have ultimately led to the complete removal of women and girls from the country's educational system. The government's policies not only isolate women and girls from education but also deprive Afghan society of the active participation of half its population in educational, health, and social affairs. This regressive approach, often justified with phrases like "until further notice," has practically fueled a cycle of inequality, poverty, and dependency for Afghan women and has drawn widespread criticism from the international community and human rights organizations. The Last Glimmer of Hope Has Also Been Closed Several female students in Kabul studying at private medical institutes have expressed "deep despair" and "serious concern" over the ban on education in these centers. In conversations with local journalists, these students stated that education at these institutes was their last hope for achieving a bright future. With this avenue now closed, they see all their educational opportunities as lost and face an uncertain and bleak future. This ban represents another blow to the hopes of girls who have struggled for years to attain academic and professional standing. One student mentioned that her family had been covering her tuition at a private medical institute despite numerous economic hardships. She was only one semester away from graduation, and according to her, all her efforts to gain expertise in a field she was passionate about have now gone to waste. Another student, who previously studied economics at Kabul University, explained that after the ban on female students at universities, she was forced to drop out and spent two years at home. She suffered from depression and psychological pressure due to being deprived of education but eventually decided to enroll in a private medical institute to pursue a two-year program. She said she had only completed one semester when the current rulers once again halted her education. Many other students share similar feelings of despair and lack of motivation. They believe that all their efforts have been in vain and that they have lost their futures. These students say that each time they hoped for a fresh start and sought alternative paths, the government blocked all remaining avenues with new decisions. These actions have not only had severe psychological and social impacts on these girls but have also deprived Afghan society of their academic and professional capacities. While the international community condemns these actions, the lives of Afghan girls continue to be destroyed under the shadow of restrictions and repression. Consequences and Impacts of Excluding Women from the Education Cycle Psychological and Social Impacts The complete prohibition of Afghan girls from education has left profound and widespread psychological consequences on this segment of society. Many girls who sought their dreams in academic and professional fields are now grappling with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and depression. This systematic deprivation has isolated them from society and fostered a sense of identity crisis among Afghan girls. Furthermore, this decision has had extensive negative impacts on families, as many parents who have strived for their children's education have now lost hope for their future. This situation can lead to an increase in family problems, including psychological and economic tensions, and severely undermine social cohesion. Economic and Professional Impacts The prohibition of girls' education will also have destructive effects on the economic development and workforce of Afghanistan. By excluding half of the population from the education cycle, Afghanistan will face a severe shortage of skilled workers in key areas such as healthcare, education, and management in the future. This situation not only eliminates economic opportunities for women but also deprives the country of their effective and constructive participation. Particularly in the healthcare sector, women play a vital role as nurses, caregivers, and doctors; their exclusion from education could paralyze the country's health system. This shortage of skilled professionals will increase Afghanistan's dependency on foreign aid and hinder sustainable economic growth. Cultural Impacts and Future Generations The deprivation of girls from education will have a detrimental effect on Afghanistan's cultural future. Education is a key factor in nurturing informed and empowered generations, and by eliminating this opportunity, the risk of perpetuating cycles of poverty, ignorance, and extremism increases. In the absence of educated girls, traditional and restrictive roles for women become further entrenched, leaving society deprived of the benefits of women's capabilities in decision-making and leadership roles. Additionally, children who grow up in families where their mothers have been denied education will have less chance of experiencing a suitable educational and cultural environment. This prohibition, in the long term, will inflict irreparable damage on Afghanistan's cultural, social, and scientific advancement, placing the country on a path of regression.

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8 months ago - 266 Visits

The Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations has stated on the occasion of International Human Rights Day that women and girls in Afghanistan are currently deprived of their most basic rights. In a statement published on its X account, the mission noted that the actions of the interim government are leading the country towards poverty, permanent dependency, and misery. The statement emphasizes that the "un-Islamic and inhumane" policies of the current government, including the deprivation of women and girls from education and work, not only represent a blatant violation of Islamic and human rights but also constitute a direct enmity towards the people of Afghanistan and the future of this country. It further states: "How can a sustainable and advanced society be built when half of its population is deprived of active participation?" The Afghan mission to the United Nations has called on the international community to strongly condemn the actions of the current government and to renew its commitment to support the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls. Part of the statement reads: "It is essential to take action through a coherent and united approach, utilizing all available tools to restore a legitimate, responsible, and just national system based on the will of the people." The mission has urged the people of Afghanistan to unite and strive for a fairer and freer future. This comes amid serious concerns about the human rights situation in Afghanistan, while Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the current government, recently stated that "the rights of the people" are being upheld according to their group. International organizations, including the United Nations, have called on the current government to adhere to Afghanistan's commitments regarding human rights. Respect for human rights is cited as a condition for countries to engage with this group.

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8 months ago - 258 Visits

The Department of Information and Culture of the caretaker government in Ghor province has prohibited the posting of images of children on social media. In a statement, the department stated that this decision was made based on letter number (2036) from the Ministry of Information and Culture of the current government and the resolution of the "Joint Committee of Emirate and Non-Emirate Agencies on Child Protection." The Department of Information and Culture of Ghor emphasized that some "biased media" outlets publish issues related to children in a manner that harms the child's personality and their family's reputation, threatening and endangering the child's life. Additionally, some media reports have indicated that the Taliban's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has called for a ban on YouTubers interviewing children. The Ministry of Information and Culture has instructed its provincial departments to implement this decision. This comes at a time when the recording and publication of images of living beings has been prohibited under the law of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice by the caretaker government. The Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has begun enforcing the ban on images of living beings, resulting in the suspension of local television activities in several provinces.

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8 months ago - 263 Visits

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has recently announced that widespread gaps in educational infrastructure and restrictive policies against girls are exacerbating gender inequality in educational opportunities in Afghanistan. In a statement, the organization identified infrastructural gaps, restrictive policies against girls, and a shortage of teachers as major educational challenges in Afghanistan. The statement reads: "The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Afghanistan anticipates that eight million people will need educational assistance this year." The UN High Commissioner for Refugees emphasized that under the "Education Strategy for Afghanistan 2024-2027," they are working with their partners to address these gaps, including building schools, training teachers, and developing online education. Furthermore, it stated that this program supports efforts to ensure safe and equitable access to education for all, particularly the lifting of the ban on education for women and girls. The organization added that it closely collaborates with agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and Save the Children to facilitate access to education. According to this organization, eight million people in Afghanistan require educational assistance. The statement from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees highlighted that the organization has linked its activities to various initiatives, including conducting awareness sessions on gender-based violence for teachers and providing psychological support to educational programs. It is noteworthy that the United Nations has expressed concern over the worsening gender inequality in Afghanistan at a time when girls are currently not allowed to receive education beyond the sixth grade in schools and universities, and recently, women's education in medical institutes has also been banned.

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