The Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the caretaker government has reacted to a statement by female foreign ministers from 17 countries, asserting that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are secured in accordance with Islamic Sharia, and that countries around the world should not interfere in the internal affairs of this country. Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for this ministry, stated on Sunday (February 16) in response to this statement that the international community uses human rights, especially women's rights, as a "political and propaganda tool" against the current government. He emphasized, "Afghanistan is an independent country, and Islamic Sharia forms its basis. This Sharia clearly defines rights for women, children, and all members of society, and the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice is committed to implementing it. Countries that claim to defend women's rights have themselves violated these rights over the past 40 years." While the spokesperson claims that the rights of women and girls are being secured, women in Afghanistan have been deprived of many of their fundamental rights, including the right to education, work, and social participation. According to decrees issued by the current government, girls are not allowed to continue their education after the sixth grade, and women have been banned from working in many governmental and non-governmental organizations. Saif-ul-Islam Khyber added that no foreign entity "has the right to intervene or comment on the affairs of this ministry," urging countries to refrain from interfering in Afghanistan's internal matters. However, two days ago, female foreign ministers from 17 countries issued a joint statement criticizing the performance of this ministry. They emphasized that the policies of this ministry have resulted in severe restrictions on women's lives, depriving them of their basic rights, including freedom of movement and participation in society. Human rights organizations have also repeatedly expressed concern about the status of women in Afghanistan.

The University of Helsinki, Finland, has announced its list of 30 talented individuals under the age of 30, which includes researchers, entrepreneurs, social commentators, and experts who are shaping the "future," among whom is Zahra Alami, a girl from Afghanistan. In a statement, the University of Helsinki mentioned that each of these young individuals includes students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and social commentators connected to the university, and their activities have been highlighted in this list. The statement noted that the talents listed have been recognized not only for their active participation in the world but also for their commitment to making a positive impact on their communities and countries. The announcement quoted Sari Lindblom, the president of the University of Helsinki, stating that the purpose of creating this list is to encourage current and future students to recognize opportunities created through the knowledge and skills acquired at the university. She emphasized that the nominees for this list were gathered from among all university students using an open form, and this list will be published every two years in collaboration with the KIPINA Future Association. It is worth mentioning that regarding Zahra Alami (born in 1997), this young girl from Afghanistan is described as a physician, expert, and human rights activist. Zahra is a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki, class of 2024, and is currently working in the emergency care department. Additionally, the university's statement mentioned that Zahra participates in public discussions and values the care of migrant patients highly, hoping to enhance the quality of healthcare in Finland. In conclusion, the University of Helsinki added that Zahra's role model is Sima Samar, a politician, human rights activist, and renowned physician from Afghanistan. Zahra Alami is the only non-European young person included in this list.

The World Bank has recently stated that Afghanistan is facing a severe food security crisis, with 2.9 million people in the country on the brink of famine. In a published report, the bank noted that 12.6 million people in Afghanistan, which is equivalent to one-third of its population, are experiencing food insecurity. The report highlights that economic instability, climate shocks, and disruptions in agricultural productivity have hindered the country's ability to meet basic needs. Additionally, the bank identified climate shocks as a significant factor contributing to food insecurity in Afghanistan, emphasizing that these shocks have a substantial impact on the agriculture-based economy in this war-torn country. It further stated that floods and droughts have disrupted the agricultural cycle in Afghanistan, making it difficult for farmers to maintain productivity. The World Bank's report emphasized that new data obtained from a 15-year monthly study indicates that climate anomalies, including flooding, have increased food stress by 23.4% and food crises by 5.9%. The World Bank added that this analysis shows that drought has exacerbated food shortages. The report mentioned that the world aims to eradicate hunger by 2030; however, the challenges in Afghanistan present a different picture regarding achieving this goal. It is worth noting that previously, OCHA (the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) stated that 14.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing severe food insecurity this year, with 7.8 million women and children in need of food assistance. United Nations agencies have repeatedly expressed their concerns over food insecurity in Afghanistan and called for increased humanitarian aid to address this crisis. Since the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, poverty and unemployment have risen unprecedentedly.

Nasir Ahmad Faiq, the acting representative of Afghanistan at the United Nations, has stated that the policies of the caretaker government have confronted an entire generation of Afghan youth with an uncertain and dark future. Mr. Faiq made these remarks at the 63rd session of the UN Commission for Social Development in New York, noting that Afghanistan is experiencing one of the most severe social and economic crises in its history, 30 years after the Copenhagen Declaration, which has plunged millions into poverty and completely excluded women and girls from public life. He emphasized at the meeting that education is the foundation of social and economic progress, but in Afghanistan, this foundation is systematically being destroyed. He pointed to the deprivation of Afghan girls and women from education and work, adding, "This gender apartheid is not only a human rights catastrophe but also an economic crisis." The acting representative of Afghanistan at the United Nations stated that no country can develop when half of its population is sidelined. Additionally, Nasir Ahmad Faiq mentioned that the ban on girls studying in medical institutes poses a risk to countless lives and will increase maternal mortality rates. He warned, "If we do not take action, the future generation of Afghanistan will be a generation without critical thinking, without opportunity, and without hope. We must provide access to quality education, modern skills, and economic opportunities to preserve Afghanistan's future." Mr. Faiq asserted that the international community should not remain indifferent to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, and the people of Afghanistan, especially women, girls, and youth, should not be forgotten. Since regaining control over Afghanistan, the caretaker government has banned girls above the sixth grade from attending school and subsequently closed universities to female students. In a recent move, they have also prohibited girls from studying in medical institutes, thus completely depriving them of access to formal education. This action by the current Afghan government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to receive an education. In addition, women and girls have been barred from attending sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even at UN offices in Afghanistan.

On the occasion of the "International Day of Girls and Women in Science," the United Nations has stated that the world and science need women and girls. In a statement published on its X account, the organization noted that women and girls are striving to have their achievements recognized. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has also urged countries to pave the way for girls and women to access the knowledge they deserve. The Secretary-General emphasized that gender equality in education is essential for a better future. He added that the year 2025 will mark the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, both significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and empower women. He stressed that gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all; however, women and girls still face barriers and systemic biases in pursuing scientific careers. António Guterres further stated that closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women's advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote diversity and equality. The celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science comes at a time when the current government has banned education for girls above the sixth grade for over three years and has closed universities to female students—an action that has deprived millions of girls of learning opportunities. The United Nations General Assembly designated February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015.

The European Union's political representation in Afghanistan has recently announced its support for women and girls in Afghanistan in their fight for the right to education. The EU political office in Afghanistan made these statements today (Tuesday, February 13) on its X account to commemorate "International Day of Women and Girls in Science." The representation emphasized: "The resilience and achievements of women and girls in education, science, sports, and every field inspire us." The EU political office added that investing in the future of women and girls in Afghanistan is an investment in the future of Afghanistan. In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring February 11 as the "International Day of Women and Girls in Science." Since 2015, this day has been celebrated by UNESCO to promote the full participation and access of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It is noteworthy that the European Union advocates for the rights of Afghan women and girls to education and employment while approximately 1,238 days have passed since girls above the sixth grade have been deprived of education in Afghanistan. Additionally, women's and girls' education in medical fields has also been banned. This action by the current Afghan government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to receive an education. Moreover, women and girls 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 even at UN offices in Afghanistan.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has announced that it will suspend its humanitarian activities in Afghanistan and 19 other countries due to the suspension of foreign aid from the United States. In a statement published on its X account, the organization stated that it has been forced to lay off its staff in Afghanistan and other countries. The Norwegian Refugee Council warned that without an immediate solution to meet the financial needs of the organization, it may have to halt its U.S.-funded humanitarian programs by the end of this month. The statement reads: "For the first time in history, we are forced to suspend vital and urgent relief work for hundreds of thousands of people in nearly 20 countries affected by war, natural disasters, and displacements." The Norwegian Refugee Council emphasized that this action will have serious consequences for people in crisis around the world. The organization also mentioned the suspension of some of its aid in Ukraine and the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The statement noted that the organization has laid off hundreds of its staff worldwide, including both male and female employees in Afghanistan. The Norwegian Refugee Council stated: "We currently have millions of dollars in delayed payments owed to the U.S. government. Without an immediate solution, we may have to stop programs funded by the United States by the end of February." The Norwegian Refugee Council also acknowledged the U.S. government's authority to conduct reviews of foreign aid but called for urgent action from the U.S. to prevent disruptions in humanitarian assistance. Recently, the U.S. State Department suspended its foreign aid, stating that the U.S. government needs to focus more on its national interests. The Norwegian Refugee Council welcomed the exemption for suspended U.S. aid for life-saving assistance but added that this exemption does not apply to their council. This organization has called for continued financial support from the United States. This comes as Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, previously visited Afghanistan and warned about the humanitarian crisis in the country.

With the increasing restrictions on women's work in the health sector and the prohibition of their education in medical fields, OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, states that for every 100,000 childbirths, 600 Afghan women lose their lives, a figure that is three times the global average. OCHA has expressed concern over the high maternal mortality rates during childbirth and stated that the current government's restrictions on women's employment in healthcare have limited their access to medical care. The report notes that on December 2, 2024, the current government announced that all educational institutions for women in the medical field, including vocational training and higher education programs, would be closed. This decree poses a serious threat to the future of public health in the country. The agency mentioned that female employees in humanitarian organizations are facing even more restrictions, and with the intensification of these limitations, especially in remote areas, more women will be deprived of prenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations, and other vital services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs emphasized that in addition to the ban on women's education in medical fields, female health workers face other challenges; increased restrictions on movement, the requirement of a male guardian for work-related travel, and frequent inspections at checkpoints are significant obstacles for women and girls in providing healthcare and accessing health facilities. Niloufar, a health worker in Afghanistan, is mentioned in the report as someone who sometimes travels to different provinces to provide services to women and girls; however, her journeys are fraught with challenges and restrictions imposed by the current government on women and girls over the past three years. She noted the increasing restrictions imposed by the current government on women, stating: "Being a woman in Afghanistan is a challenge in itself. Being a woman while pursuing a professional career is even more difficult." It is worth mentioning that concerns regarding the rising mortality rates among women and children in Afghanistan have increased in recent months. Afghanistan has had one of the highest maternal mortality rates during childbirth for decades.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports that health ministers from countries around the world expressed concern over the rise of childhood polio cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Executive Board meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Serious actions are being taken in response to this issue. An alliance known as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative announced on Friday, February 8, that the WHO Executive Board meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, where there was an emphasis on strengthening surveillance activities not only in high-risk areas but also in other regions, including borders. Dr. Hanan Balkhi, head of the regional office of the World Health Organization, stated at the meeting: "On behalf of our region and the leaders of both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), I assure you that our commitment to eradicating this virus is stronger than ever." He emphasized, "We must reach every child and vaccinate them. We also need to continue searching for the polio virus to prevent its further spread. Achieving this goal is not simple." In part of his remarks, he added that Afghanistan and Pakistan face significant geopolitical, infrastructural, environmental, and security challenges that have led to an increase in childhood polio cases. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative's statement also mentioned that WHO member countries at the Geneva meeting called for a stronger response to eradicate this disease, including maximizing polio vaccination efforts. Health officials from various countries at the meeting stressed the importance of implementing more activities in this regard and highlighted the necessity of establishing strong, resilient, and equitable health systems. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where the polio virus is still circulating and continues to claim the lives of children. In 2024, Pakistan reported 73 cases and Afghanistan reported 25 cases of polio. While Afghanistan has not reported any additional polio cases so far, Pakistani officials reported the first positive polio case in 2025 last week.